抑扬顿挫

• Pinyin: yì yáng dùn cuò
• Hanzi breakdown: 抑 = 扌+ 卬 (hand + upward gaze — pressing down); 扬 = 扌+ 昜 (hand + rising sun — lifting); 顿 = 屯 + 页 (gather + head — deliberate pause); 挫 = 扌+ 坐 (hand + sit — controlled downward modulation)

Meaning

With rising and falling intonation and rhythmic pauses; cadenced; melodious and expressive in speech or reading. Describes a voice or delivery with varied pitch and deliberate rhythm.

A four-character idiom used to praise skilled oral delivery — speeches, poetry recitation, storytelling, and broadcasting. The four characters describe the four elements of expressive speech: 抑 (lowering the voice), 扬 (raising it), 顿 (pausing), 挫 (modulating downward). A high compliment when applied to a speaker or performer.

Examples

1. 播音员用抑扬顿挫的声音朗读着新闻稿，每一个停顿和语调变化都精准地传达出文字背后的情感分量。 The news anchor read the script in a well-paced, expressive voice; every pause and shift in intonation precisely conveyed the emotional weight behind the words.
2. 老教授讲课时抑扬顿挫，善于在关键处放慢语速、拉高音调，令学生们的注意力始终高度集中。 When the senior professor lectures, his delivery is rhythmic and varied; he knows when to slow down and when to raise his pitch, keeping students’ attention tightly focused throughout.
3. 这部有声书的配音演员将主角内心的矛盾与挣扎演绎得抑扬顿挫、层次分明，令听众如临其境。 The audiobook narrator brought the protagonist’s inner conflict and struggle to life with a richly layered, expressive delivery, making listeners feel as if they were right there.

Usage Guide

Context: public speaking, broadcasting, literature, performance arts

Tone: appreciative

Do Say

• 这位年轻演说家在全国大学生辩论赛决赛中的开场陈词抑扬顿挫、逻辑严密，赢得了评审团的高度评价，最终力压群雄荣获最佳辩手称号。(This young orator's opening statement in the national university debate championship final was cadenced and logically rigorous, earning the highest praise from the judging panel and ultimately surpassing all competitors to win the title of Best Debater.)
• 纪录片的旁白由一位资深播音艺术家配音，其抑扬顿挫的朗诵风格与历史画面的节奏高度契合，将观众带入了那个风云激荡的年代。(The documentary's narration was voiced by a veteran broadcasting artist whose cadenced recitation style matched the rhythm of the historical footage perfectly, transporting viewers into that turbulent era.)

Don't Say

• 他说话抑扬顿挫但很无聊 — 抑扬顿挫 is a compliment about expressive delivery; pairing it with 无聊 creates a jarring contradiction; use 平铺直叙 or 语调单一 for flat, monotonous delivery

Origin & History

抑 (to press down/lower — 扌hand + 卬 upward gaze; pressing down) + 扬 (to raise/lift — 扌hand + 昜 rising sun; lifting upward) + 顿 (to pause — 屯 gather + 页 head; a deliberate stop) + 挫 (to modulate downward — 扌hand + 坐 sit; a controlled lowering)

Cultural Context

Era: Classical–Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal