不为人知

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: bù wéi rén zhī
• English Translation: Unknown to others, not widely known, hidden
• Idiom Composition: 「不」（Not）＋「为」（To be done by）＋「人」（Person, people）＋「知」（To know）
• Meaning: Refers to something not known to the public. It describes a fact or matter that is generally unknown. It can also refer to a person's hidden side, or unknown talents and achievements.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「不为人知」 contains the following nuances:

• Secrecy: Describes a state where information or facts are intentionally concealed or not yet widely known.
• Unexpectedness: Suggests the existence of hidden facts or aspects that differ from common perception.
• Potential value: Implies the possibility that valuable things or outstanding talents exist but are simply not yet known.
• Humility: Can also describe a person who possesses achievements or talents but does not boast about them.

3. Usage

「不为人知」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Describing facts or information: Used to describe a fact or piece of information that is not yet generally known.
  • Example:「这个发现目前还不为人知。」
    （This discovery is currently unknown to the public.）
• A person's hidden side: Refers to a person's hidden side, or unknown talents or achievements that are not usually revealed.
  • Example:「他还有不为人知的一面。」
    （He has an unknown side to him.）
• Describing places or things: Describes lesser-known places, hidden gems, or rare items.
  • Example:「这里有一个不为人知的温泉。」
    （There is an unknown hot spring here.）

Additional Examples:

1. 他不为人知地为慈善事业做了很多贡献。
   （He made many unseen contributions to charity.）
2. 这部电影背后，有着许多不为人知的故事。
   （Behind this movie, there are many unknown stories.）
3. 她是一位不为人知的天才画家。
   （She is an unknown genius painter.）
4. 这个古老的传说，至今仍不为人知。
   （This ancient legend remains unknown to people even today.）
5. 他过着不为人知的生活，很少与外界接触。
   （He lives an unseen life, with little contact with the outside world.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• In traditional Chinese culture, humility is considered a virtue, and it is not favored to show off one's achievements. '不为人知' reflects this cultural value.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 隐姓埋名 (yǐn xìng mái míng): To conceal one's name and live in seclusion.
  • 默默无闻 (mò mò wú wén): Unknown and unheard of.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 家喻户晓 (jiā yù hù xiǎo): Known to every household, known to everyone.
  • 人尽皆知 (rén jìn jiē zhī): Known to everyone.

6. Summary

'不为人知' is a profound idiom that conveys not just the fact of being 'unknown', but also hints at hidden stories, unexpectedness, and potential value. By understanding the humility and depth of things in Chinese culture, you can use this idiom more effectively.