ji3 zoi6 jin4 ngoi6意在言外

Jyutpingji3 zoi6 jin4 ngoi6

Yaleyi joih yìhn ngoih

Definition

To have implications beyond the literal words; to read between the lines.

neutralcommunicationdescriptions

How it's used

This idiom describes communication where the true intent is not explicitly stated but implied through context or tone. It is frequently used to describe someone who is being indirect or subtle, often to avoid confrontation or to test the listener's social awareness. Unlike simple sarcasm, it suggests a deeper layer of meaning that requires cultural or situational knowledge to decode.

Examples

keoi5佢gong2講je5嘢seng4成jat6日ji3意zoi6在jin4言ngoi6外，hou2好naan4難zuk1捉mo2摸。

He often speaks with hidden meanings, making him hard to figure out.

nei5你ming4明m4唔ming4明keoi5佢go2嗰geoi3句ji3意zoi6在jin4言ngoi6外ge3嘅am3暗si6示aa4呀？

Do you understand the hidden implication behind what he said?

Common phrases

teng1聽ceot1出ji3意zoi6在jin4言ngoi6外

to detect the hidden meaning

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a simple synonym of lying or being dishonest. It is not necessarily deceptive, as it is often used for politeness or to maintain social harmony, whereas lying implies a clear intent to mislead.