# 三言两语

sān yán liǎng yǔ

In just a few words

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Three words and two phrases

**Traditional Chinese:** 三言兩語

**Register:** Standard · expressive

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

## When to use it

Describe a brief explanation or response.

Can imply oversimplification in serious matters.

## Understanding the expression

The small numbers create an informal image of very little speech. The expression can praise clarity when someone explains something briefly, or emphasize that a complicated matter cannot be handled so quickly. It measures brevity rather than quality. A few well chosen words may reassure a friend, but a few casual phrases may fail to address a serious complaint. The surrounding sentence determines whether the shortness is helpful or inadequate.

## Examples

她三言两语就说清了规则。

### Traditional Chinese

她三言兩語就說清了規則。

tā sān yán liǎng yǔ jiù shuō qīng le guī zé 。

She explained the rules clearly in a few words.

这件事三言两语说不清。

### Traditional Chinese

這件事三言兩語說不清。

zhè jiàn shì sān yán liǎng yǔ shuō bù qīng 。

This matter cannot be explained in just a few words.

他三言两语安慰了孩子。

### Traditional Chinese

他三言兩語安慰了孩子。

tā sān yán liǎng yǔ ān wèi le hái zi 。

He comforted the child with a few words.

别用三言两语敷衍投诉。

### Traditional Chinese

別用三言兩語敷衍投訴。

bié yòng sān yán liǎng yǔ fū yǎn tóu sù 。

Do not brush off the complaint with a few casual words.

## 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%89%E8%A8%80%E5%85%A9%E8%AA%9E)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=781&webMd=1&la=0)

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