bù gǒu yán xiào: 不苟言笑 - Serious, Stern, Not Given to Joking or Smiling

• Keywords: bugouyanxiao, 不苟言笑, Chinese idiom for serious, stern Chinese, what does bugouyanxiao mean, serious expression, not smiling Chinese, Chinese chengyu, solemn, dignified, professional demeanor.
• Summary: Learn the Chinese idiom 不苟言笑 (bù gǒu yán xiào), a term used to describe a person who is serious, dignified, and not given to casual joking or smiling. This page breaks down the characters, explores the cultural value placed on this trait, and provides numerous examples to show how to use it. Discover why someone described as `不苟言笑` in China might be seen as a respectable professional, a strict teacher, or a traditional father figure, rather than simply being unfriendly.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): bù gǒu yán xiào
• Part of Speech: Idiom (Chengyu / 成语), Adjective
• HSK Level: N/A
• Concise Definition: To be stern and serious in one's speech and expression; not to smile or talk lightly.
• In a Nutshell: `不苟言笑` describes a person's default demeanor, not a temporary mood. It's about someone who is solemn, dignified, and doesn't engage in frivolous talk or laughter. Think of a high court judge, a very traditional grandfather, or a demanding professor. This trait isn't necessarily negative; in many contexts, it implies respectability, professionalism, and a serious commitment to one's duties.

• 不 (bù): A negative prefix, meaning “not” or “no.”
• 苟 (gǒu): To be careless, casual, or perfunctory. This is the key character.
• 言 (yán): Speech, words, or to speak.
• 笑 (xiào): To smile or to laugh.

Putting it all together, the literal meaning is “not careless with speech or smiles.” This paints a vivid picture of a person who is very deliberate and serious in how they present themselves to the world, choosing their words and expressions with great care.

In traditional Chinese culture, influenced by Confucianism, gravity and self-control were seen as virtues, especially for scholars, officials, and elders. A `不苟言笑` demeanor was a sign of wisdom, authority, and reliability. It showed that a person was serious about their responsibilities and not easily swayed by frivolous matters. This trait commanded respect. This contrasts sharply with many modern Western cultures, particularly in the United States, where being outgoing, friendly, and quick to smile is often valued as a sign of confidence and approachability. A person who is `不苟言笑` in a Western context might be misperceived as cold, unhappy, or unapproachable. Understanding this term helps a learner appreciate that in China, a serious expression can be a marker of professionalism and respectability, not necessarily unfriendliness.

`不苟言笑` is still a widely used idiom in modern China. Its connotation can be neutral, positive, or slightly negative depending on the context.

• Positive/Neutral: When describing someone in a position of authority (a judge, a surgeon, a military officer, a demanding CEO), it implies they are serious, focused, and professional. This can be a compliment that inspires confidence.
• Slightly Negative/Teasing: When used among friends or family, it can be a gentle jab at someone who is “too serious” and needs to lighten up. For example, you might tease a friend who never cracks a smile at a party by calling them `不苟言笑`.
• Common Archetypes: The term is very frequently used to describe a stereotypical “strict father” (严父), a tough-love teacher, or an old-school boss.

• Example 1:
  • 我的爸爸一向不苟言笑，但其实他内心很疼爱我们。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ de bàba yíxiàng bù gǒu yán xiào, dàn qíshí tā nèixīn hěn téng'ài wǒmen.
  • English: My father has always been stern and serious, but he actually loves us very much deep down.
  • Analysis: This is a classic use case, describing a traditional, stoic father figure. It highlights the difference between outward demeanor and inner feelings.
• Example 2:
  • 这位法官在法庭上总是不苟言笑，显得非常威严。
  • Pinyin: Zhè wèi fǎguān zài fǎtíng shàng zǒngshì bù gǒu yán xiào, xiǎnde fēicháng wēiyán.
  • English: This judge is always serious and stern in the courtroom, appearing very stately and authoritative.
  • Analysis: Here, `不苟言笑` is a positive or neutral trait, appropriate for a judge whose job requires impartiality and gravity.
• Example 3:
  • 我们的新经理不苟言笑，让办公室的气氛有点紧张。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen de xīn jīnglǐ bù gǒu yán xiào, ràng bàngōngshì de qìfēn yǒudiǎn jǐnzhāng.
  • English: Our new manager is very serious, which makes the office atmosphere a little tense.
  • Analysis: This example shows a slightly negative connotation. The manager's seriousness is causing discomfort for the employees.
• Example 4:
  • 他平时不苟言笑，没想到讲起笑话来这么好笑。
  • Pinyin: Tā píngshí bù gǒu yán xiào, méi xiǎngdào jiǎng qǐ xiàohua lái zhème hǎoxiào.
  • English: He's usually so serious, I never expected him to be so funny when telling jokes.
  • Analysis: This sentence uses the term to create a sense of contrast and surprise, a common rhetorical device.
• Example 5:
  • 你别老是不苟言笑的，多笑一笑嘛！
  • Pinyin: Nǐ bié lǎoshì bù gǒu yán xiào de, duō xiào yī xiào ma!
  • English: Don't always be so stern! You should smile more!
  • Analysis: This is an example of using the term as direct, informal advice, encouraging someone to be less serious.
• Example 6:
  • 在重要的商务谈判中，他始终保持着不苟言笑的表情。
  • Pinyin: Zài zhòngyào de shāngwù tánpàn zhōng, tā shǐzhōng bǎochí zhe bù gǒu yán xiào de biǎoqíng.
  • English: During the important business negotiation, he maintained a serious expression the entire time.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates `不苟言笑` as a strategic choice in a professional setting, perhaps to maintain a poker face.
• Example 7:
  • 这位老教授学识渊博，态度严谨，总是不苟言笑。
  • Pinyin: Zhè wèi lǎo jiàoshòu xuéshí yuānbó, tàidù yánjǐn, zǒngshì bù gǒu yán xiào.
  • English: This old professor is profoundly knowledgeable and rigorous in his attitude, and he is always very serious.
  • Analysis: In an academic context, `不苟言笑` is paired with “rigorous” (严谨) to paint a portrait of a respected, serious scholar.
• Example 8:
  • 看到小猫可爱的样子，连一向不苟言笑的爷爷也笑了。
  • Pinyin: Kàndào xiǎo māo kě'ài de yàngzi, lián yíxiàng bù gǒu yán xiào de yéye yě xiào le.
  • English: Seeing the cute kitten, even grandpa, who is usually so stern, broke into a smile.
  • Analysis: Similar to example 4, this highlights a rare break from a person's default serious character.
• Example 9:
  • 边境的卫兵不苟言笑，警惕地注视着每一个过路人。
  • Pinyin: Biānjìng de wèibīng bù gǒu yán xiào, jǐngtì de zhùshì zhe měi yí ge guòlùrén.
  • English: The border guards were stern and serious, vigilantly watching every passerby.
  • Analysis: This shows the term being used to describe someone in a security or military role where a serious demeanor is part of the job.
• Example 10:
  • 他试图用一个笑话来缓和气氛，但对方依然不苟言笑。
  • Pinyin: Tā shìtú yòng yí ge xiàohua lái huǎnhé qìfēn, dàn duìfāng yīrán bù gǒu yán xiào.
  • English: He tried to lighten the mood with a joke, but the other person remained completely serious.
  • Analysis: This highlights the unresponsiveness of a `不苟言笑` person to attempts at humor.

• Not the same as “Angry” or “Sad”: A common mistake for learners is to equate `不苟言笑` with being angry (生气 - shēngqì) or sad (难过 - nánguò). `不苟言笑` is a personality trait or a default demeanor, not a temporary emotion. A person can be perfectly calm and content while being `不苟言笑`.
• Not Always Negative: Do not assume this is always a criticism. While in English calling someone “stern” or “humorless” is almost always negative, `不苟言笑` can be a compliment in contexts that value seriousness and professionalism.
• False Friend: “Stern”: While “stern” is a close translation, it often carries a stronger connotation of being harsh, disciplinary, or unkind. `不苟言笑` is closer to “solemn,” “dignified,” or “not given to levity.” It's about a lack of frivolity more than the presence of harshness.

• 一本正经 (yī běn zhèng jīng): To be prim and proper; very serious. A very close synonym, often used to describe someone who acts in an overly serious or stuffy manner.
• 严肃 (yánsù): Serious; solemn. This is a common, non-idiomatic adjective that expresses the core meaning of `不苟言笑`.
• 嬉皮笑脸 (xī pí xiào liǎn): To be grinning cheekily; flippant or improperly playful. A direct antonym, describing someone who doesn't take things seriously enough.
• 谈笑风生 (tán xiào fēng shēng): To talk and laugh in a lively and witty way. An antonym describing a very different, more jovial and social demeanor.
• 正襟危坐 (zhèng jīn wēi zuò): To sit bolt upright; describes a very formal and serious posture. This is often the physical posture of a person who is `不苟言笑`.
• 不苟 (bùgǒu): Meticulous; scrupulous; not careless. The core of the idiom, this word can be used on its own to describe someone who is very careful and rigorous in their work (e.g., 工作不苟 - gōngzuò bùgǒu).
• 冷若冰霜 (lěng ruò bīng shuāng): As cold as ice and frost. This is a stronger, more negative term. While a `不苟言笑` person is just serious, a `冷若冰霜` person is actively cold, distant, and unfriendly.