Japanese meaning of 以心伝心
Reading:
いしんでんしん (ishin denshin)
English Translation:
Unspoken communication / Telepathy
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
The ability to share thoughts and feelings without the need for words, through mutual understanding, empathy, or intuition.
言葉を交わさなくても、お互いの気持ちや考えが自然に通じ合うこと。深い信頼関係や直感的な心の交流を表します。
Cultural Context:
Originating from Zen Buddhism, it referred to the direct transmission of enlightenment from master to disciple. Today, it describes close personal rapport and nonverbal communication in Japan.
禅宗に由来し、本来は師から弟子への悟りの直接伝達を指した。現代では親しい間柄での以心伝心や、非言語的コミュニケーションを表す。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase used to describe unspoken understanding; often with “の関係.”
Trap for English Speakers
English learners may over-romanticize it, thinking it only applies to deep love, while it can be platonic.
Example
Basic Example
二人は以心伝心で次の行動を決めた。
The two decided their next move through unspoken understanding.
Applied Example
アイコンタクトだけで連携が決まる。以心伝心だ。
With just eye contact, they coordinated perfectly — unspoken communication.