不用说 (bú yòng shuō) translates to 'needless to say' or 'no need to say.' It is commonly used to indicate that something is obvious or that further explanation is unnecessary. This phrase is often employed in both spoken and written Chinese to emphasize a point that the listener is expected to already understand.
HSK 7, rank #9576, Hard
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March 24, 2026
不用说()
不用说 (bú yòng shuō) translates to 'needless to say' or 'no need to say.' It is commonly used to indicate that something is obvious or that further explanation is unnecessary. This phrase is often employed in both spoken and written Chinese to emphasize a point that the listener is expected to already understand.
Frequency#9576DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, people often value indirect communication and subtlety, making the use of 不用说 a way to express understanding without explicitly stating the obvious. This reflects the cultural preference for harmony and avoiding unnecessary confrontation.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person waving their hand dismissively while saying 'no need to say' after a statement. The character 不 (bù) looks like a person standing with their arms crossed, indicating a refusal, while 用 (yòng) suggests utility or use, and 说 (shuō) means to speak. Together, they form a picture of someone saying something without needing to say it.
About 不用说
不用说Simplified
Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 不用说
Podcast: 不用说
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AI Study Notes for 不用说
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person waving their hand dismissively while saying 'no need to say' after a statement. The character 不 (bù) looks like a person standing with their arms crossed, indicating a refusal, while 用 (yòng) suggests utility or use, and 说 (shuō) means to speak. Together, they form a picture of someone saying something without needing to say it.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 不用说 with similar phrases like 不必说 (bù bì shuō), which has a slightly different connotation. This phrase is informal and is best used in conversations rather than formal writing. It often collocates with phrases indicating obviousness or certainty.
HSK Study Tips
Although 不用说 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it can be useful for HSK 3 and above learners as they expand their conversational skills. Focus on understanding the context in which it is used, especially in discussions where the obviousness of a situation is emphasized.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, people often value indirect communication and subtlety, making the use of 不用说 a way to express understanding without explicitly stating the obvious. This reflects the cultural preference for harmony and avoiding unnecessary confrontation.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 不用说 by applying it in overly formal contexts or using it when they should clarify instead. For example, saying '不用说' after a complex argument can confuse listeners; instead, clarifying would be more appropriate.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 不用说
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Cultural Notes for 不用说
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, people often value indirect communication and subtlety, making the use of 不用说 a way to express understanding without explicitly stating the obvious. This reflects the cultural preference for harmony and avoiding unnecessary confrontation.
Frequently Asked Questions about 不用说
You can use 不用说 when you want to indicate that something is obvious and doesn't need further explanation.
It is considered informal and is best used in casual conversations.
Yes, you can use it in informal writing, but it's better to avoid it in formal documents.
