Social Rules
Easy
逢人只说三分话
féng rén zhǐ shuō sān fēn huà
Natural meaning
Keep some things to yourself.
Literal translation
When meeting people, only speak three-tenths of the words.
What it means
A shorter version of the same advice: be selective about how much you share with others. It emphasizes the value of discretion in all conversations.
Cultural context
This saying is widely known and often quoted in daily life, especially in professional settings. It aligns with the Chinese concept of 'kàn rén xià cài' (adjusting your approach based on the person).
When Chinese people say this
Someone might say this when a friend is about to share their salary details with a group of acquaintances.
Why Chinese people say this
It reinforces the cultural norm of being measured in speech to avoid conflicts and protect one's privacy. It signals that being talkative is often seen as naive.
💬 Real-life example
A:I just posted my salary on social media. What do you think?
B:That might not be a good idea. People can be jealous.
C:逢人只说三分话。有些事最好保密。
⚠️ Don't take it literally
It doesn't imply a literal fraction of speech, but advises partial disclosure.
📖 Story example
During a job interview, Zhang Hui was careful not to reveal too much about his previous employer's confidential projects. He remembered the saying '逢人只说三分话' and answered questions tactfully, securing the offer.
❓ Frequently asked questions
What does '逢人只说三分话' mean?
It means 'Keep some things to yourself,' encouraging selective sharing to maintain privacy and advantage.
When is this phrase used?
When advising someone to be cautious about what they reveal, especially in public or digital spaces, reflecting a value on discretion.
Is it still applicable in the digital age?
Yes, with the rise of social media, this saying reminds people to protect their personal information online.
What's the English equivalent?
Similar to 'Less is more' in communication or 'Think before you speak.'
💕 Related Chinese sayings