以心伝心

• Reading: いしんでんしん
• Romaji: ishin denshin
• Kanji breakdown: 以 (i) — by means of; 心 (shin/kokoro) — heart, mind (appears twice); 伝 (den/tsuta) — transmit
• Pronunciation: /i.ɕin de̞n.ɕin/

Meaning

Telepathy; tacit understanding; heart-to-heart communication without words. Conveying meaning through pure mutual understanding.

A four-character compound (四字熟語) meaning communication directly from one mind or heart to another, without spoken language. 以 means 'by means of,' 心 means 'heart/mind,' 伝 means 'transmit,' and 心 again. Originally a Zen Buddhist concept for the direct transmission of enlightenment from master to disciple beyond words and concepts. Now used colloquially for any deep intuitive understanding between people.

Examples

1. 長年連れ添った夫婦は、言葉なしに以心伝心で気持ちが通じ合う。 A couple who have lived together for years can communicate feelings without a single word.
2. 双子の二人は以心伝心で、互いに何を考えているかすぐわかる。 The twins seem to have telepathy — they always know instantly what the other is thinking.
3. 親友との間には以心伝心があり、一言で全てを察し合えた。 There was a deep intuitive understanding between close friends; a single word was enough to grasp everything.

Usage Guide

Context: relationships, friendship, romance, teamwork

Tone: warm, admiring

Origin & History

A Zen Buddhist concept: the idea that true enlightenment cannot be transmitted through words but must pass directly from mind to mind (以心伝心). Attributed to the transmission of Dharma from Śākyamuni Buddha to Mahākāśyapa through a silent gesture — the origin of Zen.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical-Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: General