misinterpret based on literal meaning; take words at face value wrongly
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesverb
to misinterpret by taking words literally; to give a strained interpretation based on the literal meaning without understanding the true sense
formalOften used to criticize incorrect interpretations of idioms, technical terms, or classical phrases. Carries a negative connotation.
Xué学
xí习
chéng成
yǔ语
bù不
néng能
wàng望
wén文
shēng生
yì义
，
fǒu否
zé则
róng容
yì易
nào闹
chū出
xiào笑
hua话
。
When learning idioms, you must not interpret them literally, or you will easily make a fool of yourself.
Tā他
wàng望
wén文
shēng生
yì义
de地
bǎ把
"
qī七
yuè月
liú流
huǒ火
"
lǐ理
jiě解
wéi为
tiān天
qì气
yán炎
rè热
。
He misinterpreted the phrase "July's flowing fire" literally as describing hot weather.
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Zhè这
ge个
cí词
zài在
zhuān专
yè业
lǐng领
yù域
yǒu有
tè特
shū殊
hán含
yì义
，
qiē切
wù勿
wàng望
wén文
shēng生
yì义
。
This term has a specific meaning in the professional field; do not take it literally under any circumstances.