可想而知

• Pinyin: kě xiǎng ér zhī
• Desglose de hanzi: 可 = can; 想 = 相 + 心 (heart); 而 = and; 知 = 矢 (arrow) + 口

Significado

Es fácil imaginarlo; es evidente; se entiende solo.

A transitional phrase used to introduce an obvious conclusion based on given circumstances. Often used when the outcome or consequence is so predictable that it doesn't need to be stated explicitly. Common in both spoken and written Chinese.

Ejemplos

1. 他从来不运动，身体状况可想而知。
2. 在那种恶劣环境下工作，其艰辛程度可想而知。
3. 一个人如果连基本礼貌都不懂，他的人际关系可想而知。

Guía de uso

Contexto: inference, logical conclusion, commentary

Tono: matter-of-fact

Correcto

• 结果可想而知。(The outcome is easy to imagine.)
• 没有准备就去考试，结果可想而知。(Taking an exam without preparation — the result goes without saying.)

Incorrecto

• 这道菜的味道可想而知。(Avoid when the conclusion isn't actually obvious — 可想而知 implies the inference is clear to everyone)

Origen e historia

Literary phrase combining 可 (can) + 想 (imagine) + 而知 (and know). Means 'can be imagined and known.'

Contexto cultural

Generación: All ages

Contexto social: Universal