sì似seemshì是isér而yetfēi非not
Specious; appearing right but actually wrong.
Literal meaning
seem (似) — is (是) — yet (而) — not (非)
Origin
A classical four-character phrase describing something that seems correct on the surface but is actually flawed.
Examples
Tā de jiěshì tīng qǐlái sìshì'érfēi.他的解释听起来似是而非。
His explanation sounds specious.
Zhè zhǒng lǐlùn sìshì'érfēi, xūyào zǐxì yánjiū.这种理论似是而非，需要仔细研究。
This theory is specious and needs careful study.
Usage & nuances
Often used to criticize arguments or ideas that are superficially appealing but ultimately incorrect.
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