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一言不发

一言不發
yīyánbùfā
idiom HSK 7 #15,697

Meanings

  1. 1 to not say a single word
  2. 2 to remain silent

Characters

一
yī
one; a single
言
yán
word; speech
不
bù
not
发
fā
to emit; to utter
Literally 'not utter a single word' — completely silent

Examples

他从头到尾一言不发。
Tā cóngtóu dào wěi yīyánbùfā.
He didn't say a single word from beginning to end.
她坐在那里一言不发，表情很严肃。
Tā zuò zài nàlǐ yīyánbùfā, biǎoqíng hěn yánsù.
She sat there without saying a word, looking very serious.

Tips

usage
一言不发 describes deliberate or noticeable silence, often implying the person has a reason for not speaking (anger, sadness, concentration).

Stroke Order

一 yī
言 yán
不 bù
发 fā