词不达意

詞不達意

cíbù-dáyì

idiom

Meanings

1 words fail to convey the meaning
2 inarticulate
3 unable to express oneself clearly

Characters

to convey / reach

meaning / intention

Examples

HSK 4

我一紧张就词不达意。

Wǒ yī jǐnzhāng jiù cíbù-dáyì.

When I get nervous, my words don't come out right.

HSK 4

这篇作文词不达意，需要重写。

Zhè piān zuòwén cíbù-dáyì, xūyào chóngxiě.

This essay doesn't express its meaning clearly; it needs rewriting.

HSK 6

感情太复杂，有时难免词不达意。

Gǎnqíng tài fùzá, yǒushí nánmiǎn cíbù-dáyì.

Feelings are complex; sometimes words just can't capture them.

Tips

usage

Can describe yourself ('I got tongue-tied') or others' writing ('the paper is poorly expressed'). Neutral to mildly self-deprecating when used about oneself.

Stroke Order

词 cí

不 bù

达 dá

意 yì