流露

• Pinyin: liú lù
• Hanzi breakdown: 流 = 氵+ 㐬 (flow); 露 = 雨 + 路 (to appear like rain-dew, to reveal)

Meaning

To inadvertently reveal; to show (emotions or feelings). An unintentional expression of inner feelings.

Typically used for emotions or attitudes that surface without deliberate intent — e.g., joy, sadness, displeasure. Implies an authentic, unguarded expression, in contrast to a calculated show of emotion.

Examples

1. 他虽然面上平静，但眼神中还是流露出一丝难以掩饰的失望。 Although he looked calm, his eyes still revealed a trace of disappointment he couldn’t quite hide.
2. 孩子的信中流露出对家乡深切的思念，令父母读来十分感动。 The child’s letter revealed a deep longing for their hometown, and the parents were very moved as they read it.
3. 她的语气不经意间流露出一种傲慢，令在场的人感到不舒服。 Her tone inadvertently revealed a kind of arrogance, making people in the room feel uncomfortable.

Usage Guide

Context: emotional, literary, interpersonal

Tone: expressive

Do Say

• 他的演讲中流露出对这片土地真挚的热爱，深深打动了听众。(His speech inadvertently revealed a genuine love for this land, deeply moving the audience.)
• 尽管她极力掩饰，脸上还是流露出些许紧张。(Despite her efforts to hide it, a trace of nervousness showed on her face.)

Don't Say

• 将流露与表露混用 — 流露 is unintentional and natural, while 表露 can be deliberate and intentional (Don't swap 流露 (unintentional) with 表露 (can be deliberate))

Origin & History

流 (to flow) + 露 (to reveal/expose)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal