jin4 ngoi6 zi1 jam1弦外之音
Jyutpingjin4 ngoi6 zi1 jam1
Yaleyìhn ngoih jī yām
Definition
Underlying meaning, implication, or overtone behind someone's words or actions.
neutralcommunicationdescriptions
How it's used
Literary in origin, this phrase is used to describe a message that is hinted at rather than stated directly. It is often employed when someone is being passive aggressive or trying to avoid direct confrontation. Using it signals that the speaker is highly observant of social cues and subtext.
Examples
Can't you hear the underlying meaning in what they said?
Related words
Common phrases
to detect the underlying meaning
full of hidden implications
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with literal musical terms, as it is strictly used for human communication and social interaction. It is also slightly more formal than just saying 意思 or 暗示, so it might sound out of place in very casual or lighthearted settings.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
