自言自语
zì yán zì yǔ
Talking to oneself · trad. 自言自語
Captures the act of speaking aloud when no one else is being addressed. People often do this when thinking deeply, processing thoughts, or expressing emotions privately.
What does 自言自语 (zì yán zì yǔ) mean?
自言自语 (zì yán zì yǔ) means "talking to oneself" in English. Word for word, it breaks down as "speak to oneself, talk to oneself."
Character by character
- 自 zì self
- 言 yán speak
- 自 zì self
- 语 yǔ talk
When to use it
Commonly describes someone audibly expressing thoughts or feelings without intending to communicate with others. The act can be a neutral observation, or it might suggest someone is lost in thought or slightly eccentric.
Example
在路口经常可以看到一个老人，坐在那里自言自语。
Zài lùkǒu jīngcháng kěyǐ kàndào yíge lǎorén, zuòzài nàli zì yán zì yǔ.
You often see an old man sitting at the intersection, talking to himself.
Pro tip: Always refers to audible speech, distinguishing it from merely thinking to oneself. The act involves verbalizing thoughts aloud, even if softly.
Related idioms
赞叹不已 · Endless admiration争先恐后 · Vying to be first自作主张 · Unauthorized decision making
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