yī一oneyán言wordbù不notfā发speak
Not saying a word; remaining silent.
Literal meaning
one (一) — word (言) — not (不) — speak (发)
Origin
A classical four-character phrase describing silence.
Examples
Tā他tīng听le了wǒ我de的huà话，yī一yán言bù不fā发。
He listened to my words without saying a word.
Tā她shēng生qì气de地yī一yán言bù不fā发。
She was angry and remained silent.
Usage & nuances
Similar to 一声不吭, often implies a refusal to speak or a silent protest.
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