讈 (lì) - To speak cautiously, to speak in a roundabout & to speak evasively or ambiguously.

讈Tone 4

lì ｜ 23 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

讈 · lì

To speak cautiously, to speak in a roundabout way;

to speak evasively or ambiguously.

To speak cautiously, to speak in a roundaboutto speak evasively or ambiguously.

Usage highlights

Cautious speechEvasive wordsAmbiguous languageRoundabout expressionTo speak guardedlyIndirect statement

Synonyms

  • 讳— to avoid mentioning; to taboo
  • 婉— tactful; gentle; indirect
  • 隐— to conceal; implicit

Antonyms

  • 直— direct; straightforward
  • 坦— frank; open

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He spoke cautiously to avoid offense (讈言).
  • The diplomat's reply was deliberately evasive (讈辞).
  • She used ambiguous language to skirt the issue (讈语).

Collocations

  • Cautious speech(讈言)
  • Evasive words(讈辞)
  • Ambiguous language(讈语)
  • Roundabout expression(讈说)
  • To speak guardedly(讈讈)
  • Indirect statement(讈论)

Idioms

  • To speak in a guarded and roundabout manner(讈讈而言)
  • To use evasive and ambiguous language(讈辞以对)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • This character reflects a cultural value of indirect communication to maintain harmony or avoid confrontation.
  • It is associated with diplomatic, political, or sensitive contexts where direct speech might be imprudent.
  • The character is rare in modern usage, primarily found in classical texts or specialized contexts.

FAQ