滔滔不绝

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: tāo tāo bù jué
• English Translation: To speak fluently and incessantly; to talk non-stop like a flowing river
• Idiom Composition: 「滔」（The state of water flowing vigorously）＋「滔」（The state of water flowing vigorously）＋「不」（Not, no）＋「绝」（To cease, to stop）
• Meaning: Describes a fluent way of speaking where words come out continuously. It likens speech to water flowing vigorously, indicating speaking without pause or interruption.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「滔滔不绝」 contains the following nuances:

• Fluency: Expresses smooth and effortless speech without hesitation or pauses.
• Continuity: Indicates that speech continues without interruption, flowing from one point to the next.
• Rich vocabulary: Implies that the speaker has a wide vocabulary and strong expressive ability.
• Passionate speech: Sometimes indicates that the speaker is speaking enthusiastically or with great passion.

3. Usage

「滔滔不绝」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Speeches and presentations: Used to describe fluent and continuous speech when speaking in public.
  • Example:「他在会议上滔滔不绝地阐述了自己的观点。」
    （He spoke fluently and incessantly to explain his views at the meeting.）
• Conversation: Describes someone speaking fluently and without pause in everyday conversation.
  • Example:「一提起他的爱好，他就滔滔不绝地说个没完。」
    （Whenever his hobby is mentioned, he talks non-stop endlessly.）
• Written expression: Can also describe writing that is fluent and easy to read.
  • Example:「这篇文章滔滔不绝，一气呵成，读起来非常过瘾。」
    （This article is written fluently and continuously, making it very enjoyable to read.）

Additional Examples:

1. 面对记者的采访，这位专家滔滔不绝地介绍了他的研究成果。
   （Facing the reporter's interview, the expert explained his research results fluently and without pause.）
2. 导游滔滔不绝地向游客们讲解着这座古城的历史。
   （The tour guide talked non-stop to the tourists about the history of this ancient city.）
3. 每当谈起他的孩子，他总是滔滔不绝，充满了自豪。
   （Whenever he talks about his children, he speaks fluently and proudly.）
4. 她滔滔不绝地讲述着她在旅行中的所见所闻，让我们仿佛身临其境。
   （She recounted her travel experiences fluently and vividly, making us feel as if we were there.）
5. 尽管时间已经很晚了，他仍然滔滔不绝地和朋友们聊着天。
   （Although it was late, he still chatted endlessly with his friends.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Emphasis on eloquence: In Chinese culture, eloquence and verbal skill have long been valued. The idiom '滔滔不绝' reflects this cultural appreciation for fluent and continuous speech.
• Not always positive: While '滔滔不绝' describes fluent speech, it is not always used positively. It can carry a critical nuance when the content is lacking or when someone talks excessively without listening.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 口若悬河 (kǒu ruò xuán hé): Being eloquent and articulate.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 吞吞吐吐 (tūn tūn tǔ tǔ): Speaking hesitantly or mumbling.
  • 断断续续 (duàn duàn xù xù): Continuing intermittently or brokenly.

6. Summary

'滔滔不绝' is an idiom that likens fluent and continuous speech to water flowing vigorously. It reflects the cultural emphasis on eloquence in Chinese society and is used to describe a speaker's verbal skill. However, it is not always positive and can carry a critical tone depending on the content or context, so caution is advised when using it.