📖 Meaning
This idiom refers to discussing a wide range of topics without depth or focus. It describes talking about this and that in a scattered, unfocused manner. Often used to criticize shallow commentary that covers many subjects superficially.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from a letter by the renowned modern writer Lu Xun, found in his 'Collected Letters, to Jin Zhaoye.' Lu Xun wrote that people were lately talking about this and that without any deep research, and that making pronouncements in such a manner was improper. The idiom thus emerged as a critique of broad but shallow discourse.
💡 Example Usage
他整天东谈西说，却从不认真研究任何一门学问。
He talks about this and that all day, yet never seriously studies any field of knowledge.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 东谈西说
- Pinyin: dōng tán xī shuō
- Literal Translation: east, talk, west, speak
- Category: Communication
- Characters: 4