不得而知

• Pinyin: bù dé ér zhī
• Hanzi breakdown: 不 = not; 得 = to obtain; 而 = connective particle; 知 = 矢 (arrow) + 口 (mouth), meaning to know

Meaning

Unable to know; impossible to find out; no way of knowing.

Used when information is unavailable or unknowable. Often appears in formal writing, journalism, or historical narratives to acknowledge gaps in knowledge. Implies that despite wanting to know, the information cannot be obtained.

Examples

1. 他离职的真正原因不得而知，公司方面没有任何解释。 The real reason for his resignation is unknown — the company gave no explanation.
2. 这座古墓的主人究竟是谁，至今仍不得而知。 Who the owner of this ancient tomb actually was remains unknown to this day.
3. 谈判的具体内容不得而知，双方都签署了保密协议。 The specific contents of the negotiations are unknowable — both sides signed confidentiality agreements.

Usage Guide

Context: journalism, historical, mystery

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 事情的真相不得而知。(The truth of the matter is impossible to know.)
• 他的下落至今不得而知。(His whereabouts remain unknown to this day.)

Don't Say

• 这道题的答案不得而知。(For a solvable problem, use 不知道 — 不得而知 implies the information is fundamentally unavailable)

Origin & History

不得 (cannot obtain) + 而 (and thus) + 知 (know). A classical construction meaning 'cannot thereby know.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated