# 不动声色

bù dòng shēng sè

Remain outwardly calm and composed

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Do not change voice or expression

**Traditional Chinese:** 不動聲色

**Register:** General · spoken & written

[Perspective](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/perspective)

## When to use it

Describe keeping a steady manner while observing or responding.

Calm appearance does not reveal everything someone feels.

## The image & its use

Voice and facial expression often make a reaction visible. This phrase describes someone who keeps those outward signs steady. It may suggest composure during a surprise, careful listening, or quiet confidence in a task. The description concerns behavior that can be observed, rather than certainty about private thoughts. A person can feel excited while appearing calm. Context should explain why the steady manner matters without treating emotional restraint as the only worthwhile response.

## Examples

她不动声色地听完了介绍。

### Traditional Chinese

她不動聲色地聽完了介紹。

tā bù dòng shēng sè dì tīng wán le jiè shào 。

She listened to the introduction with a composed expression.

面对意外提问，他不动声色。

### Traditional Chinese

面對意外提問，他不動聲色。

miàn duì yì wài tí wèn ， tā bù dòng shēng sè 。

He remained calm when asked an unexpected question.

老师不动声色地调整了课程。

### Traditional Chinese

老師不動聲色地調整了課程。

lǎo shī bù dòng shēng sè dì tiáo zhěng le kè chéng 。

The teacher calmly adjusted the lesson.

他虽然很高兴，仍然不动声色。

### Traditional Chinese

他雖然很高興，仍然不動聲色。

tā suī rán hěn gāo xìng ， réng rán bù dòng shēng sè 。

Although pleased, he kept his outward manner steady.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 7, 2026.

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=1076&webMd=1&la=0)

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E4%B8%8D%E5%8B%95%E8%81%B2%E8%89%B2)

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