# 不言而喻

bù yán ér yù

Be evident without explanation

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Be understood without being spoken

**Register:** Standard · expressive

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

## When to use it

State that a conclusion is readily apparent.

Claimed obviousness should not replace necessary evidence.

## Understanding the expression

Some facts are so apparent in context that the speaker considers an explanation unnecessary. The expression signals that shared understanding and often emphasizes a conclusion before moving on. It can be efficient, but people do not always share the same background. A point that seems obvious to an expert may need explanation for a newcomer. In an argument, declaring something self evident does not remove the need for support when reasonable doubt exists.

## Examples

清洁饮水的重要性不言而喻。

### Traditional Chinese

清潔飲水的重要性不言而喻。

qīng jié yǐn shuǐ de zhòng yào xìng bù yán ér yù 。

The importance of clean drinking water is self-evident.

她的失望不言而喻。

tā de shī wàng bù yán ér yù 。

Her disappointment was obvious without words.

这次合作的好处不言而喻。

### Traditional Chinese

這次合作的好處不言而喻。

zhè cì hé zuò de hǎo chù bù yán ér yù 。

The benefits of this cooperation are readily apparent.

账目出现差额，问题不言而喻。

### Traditional Chinese

賬目出現差額，問題不言而喻。

zhàng mù chū xiàn chā é ， wèn tí bù yán ér yù 。

The discrepancy in the accounts makes the problem obvious.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E4%B8%8D%E8%A8%80%E8%80%8C%E5%96%BB)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=855&webMd=1&la=0)

## Keep exploring

- [不知所云 bù zhī suǒ yún Be unintelligible or hard to follow ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/bu-zhi-suo-yun)

- [不着边际 bù zhuó biān jì Be irrelevant, unrealistic, or wide of the point ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/bu-zhuo-bian-ji)

- [才高八斗 cái gāo bā dǒu Possess exceptional literary talent ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/cai-gao-ba-dou)

- [沧海一粟 cāng hǎi yī sù A tiny part of an immense whole ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/cang-hai-yi-su)

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