不可言传 () — (idiom) cannot be expressed in words; ineffable; beyond verbal description

Definition

An idiom for what cannot be put into words — must be experienced directly. It often pairs with 只可意会 to mean 'can only be sensed, not spoken'.

idiom
cannot be expressed in wordsineffablebeyond verbal description

Examples

  • 不可言传
    Zhè zhǒng gǎn shòu zhǐ kě yì huì, bú.
    This kind of feeling can only be sensed, not expressed in words.
  • 不可言传
    Yì shù de měi miào zhī chù wǎng wǎng bú.
    The beauty of art is often ineffable.
  • 不可言传
    Tā jiāo gěi wǒ de dào lǐ, yǒu xiē bú, zhǐ néng zì jǐ tǐ huì.
    Some of the principles he taught me cannot be expressed in words — you have to experience them yourself.

Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.