Proverb / Kotowaza
意味深長
Words or actions that carry a hidden, profound, or suggestive meaning beyond the surface.
deep and profound meaning
Quick Answer
Words or actions that carry a hidden, profound, or suggestive meaning beyond the surface.
- Literal Image
- deep and profound meaning
- Closest Equivalent
- To be pregnant with meaning
- How to Use It
- Used when describing someone's smile, a specific remark, or a scene in a story that feels loaded with hidden intent or depth.
Meaning
Used to describe expressions, gestures, or statements that imply more than what is explicitly stated. It suggests that there is a layer of significance or intent that requires interpretation, can be used when something is purposefully ambiguous yet suggestive.
Literal Image
deep and profound meaning
Equivalent Proverbs
To be pregnant with meaning
Focuses on the fullness of meaning within the words.
Meaningful look
Specifically refers to the 'shinchou' quality in a person's gaze.
How to Use It
Used when describing someone's smile, a specific remark, or a scene in a story that feels loaded with hidden intent or depth.
Tone
The tone is neutral and descriptive and can be used in literary or observational contexts.
Examples
彼は別れ際に、意味深長な笑みを浮かべて去っていった。
As he left, he gave a meaningful smile that suggested more than he said.
その小説のラストシーンは非常に意味深長で、様々な解釈ができる。
The final scene of that novel is very profound and can be interpreted in many ways.
彼女の意味深長な発言が、憶測を呼んでいる。
Her suggestive remarks are sparking a lot of speculation.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
A four-character idiomatic compound (yojijukugo) that uses relatively basic kanji in a specialized, abstract sense.
意味
いみ / imi
meaning; significance
深長
しんちょう / shinchou
profound; deep; far-reaching
Usage Profile
Usage note: While it can be used for mysterious or suspicious behavior, it can also simply mean 'thought-provoking' in an artistic sense.
Misread Risk
Do not assume the 'shinchou' refers to physical length; in this idiom, it specifically refers to the depth or profoundness of the content.
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Origin
Derived from the poetry of Cheng Hao (程顥), a Chinese poet of the Song dynasty. In this context, 'imi' (意味) signifies the content or meaning of words, while 'shinchou' (深長) describes something that is deep, profound, and rich in implication.
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