saying

/ˈseɪɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈseɪɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈsā-iŋ/ (ame, mw)

saying — noun

  • sayingsingular
  • sayingsplural

1. a short expression that has been used for a long time by many people to share wi

1.名詞C1
釋義

a short expression that has been used for a long time by many people to share wisdom, give advice, or describe common experiences in a memorable way

例句

As the old saying goes, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

as the old saying goes — common introductory frame

Wei's grandmother often repeated a Chinese saying about patience and bamboo.

同義詞
  • proverb

    the closest synonym; a traditional short saying that gives advice, often from folk tradition

  • adage

    similar to proverb but slightly more formal; emphasizes long-established truth

  • maxim

    a short statement expressing a general rule of conduct or principle, often from a known source

用法筆記

Commonly introduced with the phrase 'as the saying goes' before quoting the saying. Often modified by an adjective showing origin or age, such as 'old,' 'well-known,' or a nationality like 'Chinese.'

常見錯誤

❌Have a nice day' is a common saying.
✅Have a nice day' is a common polite expression, but it is not a saying.
💡A saying must contain wisdom or advice, not just be a formulaic greeting.