# 心照不宣

xīn zhào bù xuān

Understand each other without saying it

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Hearts understand without declaring it

**Register:** Neutral · conversational

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

## When to use it

Use for an understanding shared but left unspoken.

It may suggest a tacit agreement; context determines whether that is benign.

## Behind the words

The image locates understanding in the heart rather than spoken words. Written uses describe a mutual understanding left unstated.

The expression joins inward recognition with not announcing it aloud. It can describe affectionate understanding, discretion, or a less innocent tacit arrangement. Context determines whether the silence is positive or suspicious. A one-sided guess is insufficient: the phrase implies that the relevant people share the understanding.

## Examples

关于那个小惊喜，我们都心照不宣。

### Traditional Chinese

關於那個小驚喜，我們都心照不宣。

guān yú nà ge xiǎo jīng xǐ ， wǒ men dōu xīn zhào bù xuān 。

We all understood the little surprise without saying anything.

他们都知道惊喜是什么，却心照不宣地保持沉默。

### Traditional Chinese

他們都知道驚喜是什麼，卻心照不宣地保持沉默。

tā men dōu zhī dào jīng xǐ shì shén me ， què xīn zhào bù xuān dì bǎo chí chén mò 。

They both knew the surprise but silently kept the shared understanding to themselves.

这件事我们心照不宣，就不必说破了。

### Traditional Chinese

這件事我們心照不宣，就不必說破了。

zhè jiàn shì wǒ men xīn zhào bù xuān ， jiù bú bì shuō pò le 。

We understand this between us, so there is no need to spell it out.

看到对方的笑容，两人心照不宣地换了话题。

### Traditional Chinese

看到對方的笑容，兩人心照不宣地換了話題。

kàn dào duì fāng de xiào róng ， liǎng rén xīn zhào bù xuān dì huàn le huà tí 。

Seeing each other's smiles, they changed the subject with an unspoken understanding.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 4, 2026.

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=424&q=1&webMd=1&la=0)

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E5%BF%83%E7%85%A7%E4%B8%8D%E5%AE%A3)

## Keep exploring

- [心直口快 xīn zhí kǒu kuài Speak frankly and readily ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/xin-zhi-kou-kuai)

- [兴高采烈 xìng gāo cǎi liè Be cheerful and excited ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/xing-gao-cai-lie)

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