微言大义 Profound Meaning in Concise Words
Explanation
微言大义指的是精炼的语言中蕴含着深刻的道理。
Wei Yan Da Yi refers to profound truths contained within concise language.
Origin Story
春秋时期，一位名叫子贡的儒家弟子，以其精湛的口才和智慧闻名于世。有一次，他与一位饱读诗书的官员辩论，官员滔滔不绝地阐述自己的观点，引经据典，但子贡却只说了几句话，就将官员的论点驳得体无完肤。官员不服，质问子贡为何如此简单几句话就能反驳他长篇大论。子贡微微一笑，解释道：“微言大义，精简的语言往往蕴含着深刻的道理，无需多言便可让人明白。”,
During the Spring and Autumn period, a Confucian disciple named Zigong was renowned for his eloquence and wisdom. Once, he debated with a well-read official. The official eloquently expounded his views, quoting classics, but Zigong, with just a few words, refuted the official’s arguments completely. The official, dissatisfied, questioned Zigong on how a few words could counter his lengthy discourse. Zigong smiled slightly and explained, "Wei Yan Da Yi," concise language often contains profound truths; there’s no need for long explanations to be understood.
Usage
用于形容语言精炼，含义深刻。
Used to describe language that is concise yet profound in meaning.
Examples
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这篇论文，虽然篇幅不长，却包含着深刻的道理，真是微言大义。
zhè piān lùnwén, suīrán piānfú bù cháng, què hánzào zhe shēnkè de dàolǐ, zhēnshi wēi yán dà yì.
This paper, though short, contains profound truths; it is a microcosm of great meaning.
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老先生寥寥数语，道出了深刻的道理，真是微言大义啊！
lǎo xiānsheng liáoliáo shù yǔ, dàochū le shēnkè de dàolǐ, zhēnshi wēi yán dà yì a！
The old gentleman, in a few words, expressed profound truths; it truly conveys great wisdom concisely!