一言不发

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: yì yán bù fā
• English Translation: Not saying a word, keeping silent, remaining speechless
• Idiom Composition: 「一」（One）＋「言」（Word, speech）＋「不」（Not, no）＋「发」（To utter, to speak）
• Meaning: Not saying a single word. Describes a state of silence where one does not speak for some reason.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「一言不发」 contains the following nuances:

• State of silence: Describes the state of not speaking at all, remaining quiet.
• Intentional silence: Indicates deliberate silence due to reasons or emotions such as anger, fear, contemplation, or indifference, rather than simply having nothing to say.
• Response to situations: Refers to not responding verbally to specific situations or events.

3. Usage

「一言不发」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Situational description: Used to objectively describe a situation where someone remains silent.
  • Example:「面对指责，他一言不发，只是默默地承受着。」
    （Faced with criticism, he did not say a word and silently endured it.）
• Psychological description: Used to express someone's inner state or emotions.
  • Example:「整个会议过程中，她一言不发，显得有些紧张。」
    （Throughout the meeting, she did not say a word and seemed a bit nervous.）
• Behavioral description: Describes someone doing something without saying anything.
  • Example:「他一言不发地站在那里，似乎在思考着什么重要的事情。」
    （He stood there without saying a word, seemingly thinking about something important.）

Additional Examples:

1. 尽管大家都在热烈讨论，他却一言不发，显得有些格格不入。
   （Despite everyone discussing enthusiastically, he did not say a word and seemed a bit out of place.）
2. 面对这个棘手的问题，他选择一言不发，以免引起更多的争议。
   （Regarding this troublesome issue, he chose to not say a word to avoid causing further controversy.）
3. 老师问他为什么迟到，他一言不发，低下了头。
   （When the teacher asked him why he was late, he did not say a word and lowered his head.）
4. 听到这个坏消息，她一言不发，眼泪却不停地流下来。
   （Upon hearing the bad news, she did not say a word and tears flowed endlessly.）
5. 无论我们怎么劝说，他都一言不发，坚持自己的决定。
   （No matter how we tried to persuade him, he did not say a word and stuck to his decision.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Silence in Chinese culture: In Chinese culture, silence is not necessarily negative. Depending on the situation, it can be seen as a sign of thoughtfulness or wisdom, as in the saying 'Speech is silver, silence is gold.' '一言不发' reflects this cultural background.
• Contextual interpretation: '一言不发' can be interpreted in various ways depending on the situation and context. It can represent various emotions and psychological states such as anger, fear, sadness, deep thought, or indifference.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 沉默寡言 (chén mò guǎ yán): Being naturally quiet and reserved in speech.
  • 缄口不言 (jiān kǒu bù yán): Keeping one's mouth firmly shut and saying nothing.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 滔滔不绝 (tāo tāo bù jué): Speaking continuously without pause.
  • 口若悬河 (kǒu ruò xuán hé): Being eloquent and speaking fluently without hesitation.

6. Summary

'一言不发' is an idiom that requires understanding not just the act of not speaking, but the underlying reasons, emotions, and situations. It's important to understand how silence is perceived in Chinese culture and to use it appropriately according to context.