p8nda
p8nda BETA
Home Dictionary Translate Flashcards Sign in

察言观色

察言觀色
cháyánguānsè
idiom

Meanings

  1. 1 to read someone's words and facial expression
  2. 2 to gauge another's mood
  3. 3 to pick up on social cues

Examples

她善于察言观色，很会处理人际关系。
Tā shànyú chá yán guān sè, hěn huì chǔlǐ rénjì guānxi.
She's good at reading people and handles relationships well.
在职场里，学会察言观色很重要。
Zài zhíchǎng lǐ, xuéhuì chá yán guān sè hěn zhòngyào.
Learning to read the room is important in the workplace.

Tips

history
From 《论语·颜渊》: 察言而观色,虑以下人. Originally described a thoughtful, deferential person — modern usage is more neutral, about social attunement.

Stroke Order

察 chá
言 yán
观 guān
色 sè