字眼

• Pinyin: zì yǎn
• Hanzi breakdown: 字 = 宀 + 子 (written character); 眼 = 目 + 艮 (eye)

Meaning

Wording; specific word or phrase choice. The precise language used to express something, often implying careful or loaded word selection.

Used when discussing how the exact wording of a statement carries significance — in contracts, speeches, arguments, or sensitive communications. Often implies scrutiny of particular terms.

Examples

1. 他仔细斟酌了合同中每一个字眼，确保不留任何漏洞。 He carefully weighed every word in the contract to make sure there were no loopholes.
2. 发言人选择的字眼引发了公众对政策走向的广泛猜测。 The spokesperson's choice of words sparked widespread public speculation about where the policy was headed.
3. 谈判桌上，双方都对协议文本中的关键字眼寸步不让。 At the negotiating table, neither side would budge an inch over the key wording in the agreement.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, negotiation, writing, media

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这份声明中有几个字眼措辞模糊，需要进一步明确。(Several wordings in this statement are vague and need further clarification.)
• 律师提醒客户，合同中的每一个字眼都具有法律效力。(The lawyer reminded the client that every word in the contract carries legal force.)

Don't Say

• 用字眼描述颜色 — 字眼 refers to verbal/textual wording, not visual attributes; use 颜色 or 色调 instead

Origin & History

字 (character/word) + 眼 (eye → key point)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal