不可告人 (bù kě gào rén) — not to be divulged; hidden (of secrets or ulterior motives)
Definition
A four-character set phrase meaning 'cannot be revealed to others' — almost always used attributively (不可告人的目的/勾当) to flag ulterior motives or shady dealings. Strongly negative in tone.
verb
not to be divulgedhidden (of secrets or ulterior motives)
Examples
- 不可告人？Tā yǒu shén me bù kě gào rén de mù dì?What ulterior motives does he have?
- 不可告人。Zhè jiā gōng sī cóng shì zhe yì xiē bù kě gào rén de gòu dàng.This company is engaged in some shady dealings.
- 不可告人。Bié zuò nà xiē bù kě gào rén de shì qing.Don't do those things that must be kept secret.
Appears in
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