异口同声

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: yì kǒu tóng shēng
• English Translation: With one voice (speaking in unison)
• Idiom Composition: 「异」（Different or various）＋「口」（Mouth (referring to the speakers)）＋「同」（Same or identical）＋「声」（Voice or sound）
• Meaning: Literally 'different mouths, same voice.' It describes a situation where many people say the exact same thing at the same time, or when a group of people expresses a completely unanimous opinion as if they had pre-arranged it.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「异口同声」 contains the following nuances:

• Physical vs. Abstract Unison: This idiom applies both to the physical act of speaking at the same time (like a choir) and the abstract concept of having identical opinions even if expressed at different times.
• Spontaneous Agreement: It often implies that the agreement was so natural or obvious that it seemed as if the people had planned to say the same thing, similar to the concept of 不约而同 (bù yuē ér tóng).

3. Usage

「异口同声」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Group Responses: Commonly used to describe a classroom or meeting where everyone answers a question at the same time.
  • Example:「老师问大家想不想去春游，同学们异口同声地回答：“想！”」
    （When the teacher asked if everyone wanted to go on a spring outing, the students answered in unison, 'Yes!'）
• Unanimous Opinions: Used when multiple people provide the exact same evaluation or feedback regarding a person or event.
  • Example:「对于这个方案，专家们异口同声地表示了赞同。」
    （Regarding this proposal, the experts expressed their approval with one voice.）
• Shared Reactions: Describes a moment where a crowd reacts simultaneously to a sudden event.
  • Example:「看到魔术师的表演，观众们异口同声地发出了惊叹。」
    （Seeing the magician's performance, the audience let out a cry of surprise in unison.）

Additional Examples:

1. 大家异口同声地称赞这道菜好吃。
   （Everyone praised with one voice how delicious the dish was.）
2. 面对指责，他们异口同声地否认了参与此事。
   （Facing the accusations, they denied in unison any involvement in the matter.）
3. 虽然他们来自不同的国家，但都异口同声地呼吁和平。
   （Although they came from different countries, they called for peace with one voice.）
4. 问起谁是班里最勤奋的人，大家异口同声地提到了小明。
   （When asked who was the most diligent in class, everyone unanimously mentioned Xiao Ming's name.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Origin: This expression is derived from the Book of Song (宋书 - Sòng Shū), specifically in the biography of Yu Bingzhi (庾炳之).
• Evolution: While historical texts sometimes used the variation 异口同音 (yì kǒu tóng yīn), the modern standard in Chinese is 异口同声 (yì kǒu tóng shēng), where 声 (shēng) emphasizes the 'voice' or 'sound' produced.
• Usage Frequency: This is one of the most common idioms in the Chinese language, appearing frequently in daily conversation, news reporting, and literature.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 众口一词 (zhòng kǒu yī cí): Many mouths, one word; used when everyone says the exact same thing.
  • 不约而同 (bù yuē ér tóng): To do or say something identical without prior consultation; a 'coincidence of minds'.link
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 众说纷纭 (zhòng shuō fēn yún): Opinions are divided; many people saying many different things.link
  • 各抒己见 (gè shū jǐ jiàn): Each person expresses their own individual opinion.
  • 七嘴八舌 (qī zuǐ bā shé): Many people talking at once, creating a noisy and confusing situation.link

6. Summary

异口同声 (yì kǒu tóng shēng) is a frequently used idiom to describe collective agreement or simultaneous speech. It can be used for physical situations, like a crowd cheering together, or abstract situations, such as a group of people sharing the same viewpoint. It emphasizes the lack of any dissenting voices.