可想而知

• 拼音: kě xiǎng ér zhī
• 汉字拆解: 可 = can; 想 = 相 + 心 (heart); 而 = and; 知 = 矢 (arrow) + 口

含义

It goes without saying; one can imagine; it's easy to see. Indicates that a conclusion is obvious and can be inferred.

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.

例句

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。

用法指南

语境: inference, logical conclusion, commentary

语气: matter-of-fact

正确说法

• 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.)

错误说法

• 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)

起源与历史

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

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal