言不由衷

yánbùyóuzhōng ㄧㄢˊ ㄅㄨˋ ㄧㄡˊ ㄓㄨㄥ

    • to say sth without meaning it (idiom) to speak tongue in cheek
    • saying one thing but meaning sth different

Character by character

Synonyms and antonyms

Synonyms 近义词

  • 口是心非 kǒushìxīnfēi
    • 口是心非的话 words that say one thing and mean another
  • 心口不一 xīnkǒubùyī

Antonyms 反义词

Telling them apart

言不由衷 means saying something not sincerely meant, often a momentary, insincere going-through-the-motions, and is relatively mild. 口是心非 usually describes hypocrisy or deceit, normally with ill intent, and is stronger.

Sources