# 口是心非

kǒu shì xīn fēi

Say the opposite of what one feels

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** The mouth says yes while the heart says no

**Register:** Evaluative · conversational

[People & connection](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/relationships)

## When to use it

Describe a mismatch between words and feelings.

Can be playful or accuse serious hypocrisy.

## Understanding the expression

The mouth and heart point in different directions, making speech an unreliable guide to feeling. Modern use may criticize deliberate hypocrisy, but can also tease someone who denies liking a gift or hides affection. Context gives the difference in seriousness. The phrase is not proof that a speaker's stated wishes can be ignored. Respect what people actually say unless there is good reason and permission to discuss a possible mismatch openly.

## Examples

他嘴上拒绝，朋友笑他口是心非。

### Traditional Chinese

他嘴上拒絕，朋友笑他口是心非。

tā zuǐ shàng jù jué ， péng yǒu xiào tā kǒu shì xīn fēi 。

He refused aloud, and friends teased him for hiding his feelings.

她不喜欢口是心非的承诺。

### Traditional Chinese

她不喜歡口是心非的承諾。

tā bù xǐ huan kǒu shì xīn fēi de chéng nuò 。

She dislikes promises that conceal the speaker's true intentions.

我不想口是心非地说喜欢。

### Traditional Chinese

我不想口是心非地說喜歡。

wǒ bù xiǎng kǒu shì xīn fēi dì shuō xǐ huan 。

I do not want to say I like it insincerely.

别猜我口是心非，我真的不同意。

### Traditional Chinese

別猜我口是心非，我真的不同意。

bié cāi wǒ kǒu shì xīn fēi ， wǒ zhēn de bù tóng yì 。

Do not assume hidden feelings; I truly disagree.

## 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=%E5%8F%A3%E6%98%AF%E5%BF%83%E9%9D%9E)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=290&webMd=1&la=0)

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