1.
to read between the lines; to understand implied meaning
to perceive the unwritten or unspoken meaning behind what is explicitly stated
行間を読む力が必要だ。
The ability to read between the lines is necessary.
メールの行間を読んで真意を探る。
To read between the lines of an email to understand the true intent.
日本語のコミュニケーションでは行間を読むことが重要だ。
In Japanese communication, reading between the lines is important.
Literally "to read between the lines" — used when someone perceives unspoken intent behind words, text, or situations.
CULTURAL IMPORTANCE:
This expression is particularly relevant in Japanese culture, where high-context communication (以心伝心) is valued. Understanding implicit meaning is often as important as explicit statements.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 行間を読む力: the ability to read between the lines
- 行間から読み取る: to read/extract meaning from between the lines
RELATED EXPRESSIONS:
- 空気を読む: to read the room/atmosphere
- 察する: to infer, sense
- 含みを持たせる: to imply, to hint