交头接耳

• 拼音: jiāo tóu jiē ěr
• 汉字拆解: 交 = to bring together; 头 = head; 接 = to touch, connect; 耳 = ear — heads and ears close together

含义

To whisper to each other; to put heads together. Describes people having a secretive, hushed conversation.

An idiom that vividly depicts people bringing their heads close together to whisper. Often carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting gossip, secrecy, or behavior that excludes others. Can describe conspiratorial discussions or just private conversations.

例句

1. 开会的时候，后排几个人一直在交头接耳，根本没在听。
2. 看到老板进来，那两个正在交头接耳的同事立刻分开了。
3. 学生们交头接耳地讨论着刚才考试的答案。

用法指南

语境: everyday, workplace, school

语气: slightly negative

正确说法

• 他们在角落里交头接耳，不知道在说什么。(They were whispering together in the corner, who knows what about.)
• 上课时不要交头接耳。(Don't whisper to each other during class.)

错误说法

• 用'交头接耳'描述正常音量的对话 (Don't use 交头接耳 for normal-volume conversation — it specifically means whispering secretively; use 聊天 or 谈话 for regular discussion)

起源与历史

Classical idiom: 交头 (bring heads together) + 接耳 (ears touching). Creates a vivid image of people huddled close for private conversation.

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal