Chinese Conversation · Level 76
90 words
Chinese word
口是心非
Pronunciation
Pinyinkǒu shì xīn fēi
Meaning
- idiomsay one thing but mean another
Example
别被他的话骗了，他就是口是心非。bié bèi tā de huà piàn le tā jiù shì kǒu shì xīn fēi
Do not be fooled by what he says; he says one thing but means another.
More examples
别跟口是心非的人一起做决定。bié gēn kǒu shì xīn fēi de rén yì qǐ zuò jué dìng
Don't make decisions with someone who says one thing but means another.
Core concept
A split between outward words and inward intent, where polite agreement masks the opposite view.
Common phrases
口是心非的人kǒu shì xīn fēi de rén
a person who says one thing but means another
说话口是心非shuō huà kǒu shì xīn fēi
say one thing but mean another
对别人口是心非duì bié rén kǒu shì xīn fēi
say one thing but mean another when speaking to others
Similar words
表里不一biáo lǐ bù yī: Describes a person whose outward manner does not match their real thoughts or feelings.
言不由衷yán bù yóu zhōng: Describes speech that does not come from the speaker's genuine feelings.
Definition in Chinese
形容一个人嘴上表示赞同或客气，内心实际想法相反，属于虚假的应对。xíng róng yí gè rén zuǐ shàng biǎo shì zàn tóng huò kè qì nèi xīn shí jì xiáng fǎ xiàng fǎn shǔ yú xū jiǎ de yìng duì
Word origin
The idiom combines 口 (kǒu, "mouth") + 是 (shì, "is or right") with 心 (xīn, "heart") + 非 (fēi, "is not or wrong"), creating a contrast between spoken agreement and inner rejection.
Usage tips
- In everyday Chinese, this usually criticizes deliberate insincerity, so it is stronger than saying that someone is uncertain or has simply changed their mind.
Other meanings
- say one thing but do anotheridiom
Opposites
- 表里如一biáo lǐ rú yībe consistent in words and actionsidiom
- 言行一致yán xíng yí zhìmake words and actions agreeidiom