言不由衷

yán bù yóu zhōng

Rare

Save to list

Definitions

1. to say sth without meaning it (idiom); to speak tongue in cheek
2. saying one thing but meaning sth different

Stop forgetting what you study.
Build recall daily.

Try HanyuGuide's Chinese review system with multiple choice, typed recall, tone-aware practice, and reviews scheduled before memory fades.

Start Free Trial · $49.99 / year

Sign up with Google

Did Google show an error? Sorry about that. Use your email below instead.

Continue with Email

Lifetime for $119.99 Try a practice session

Child Words of 言不由衷

• 不 不 bù: no; not so
• 由 由 yóu: to follow
• 由衷 由衷 yóu zhōng: heartfelt
• 不由 不由 bù yóu: can't help (doing sth)
• 衷 衷 zhōng: inner feelings
• 言 言 yán: words