read between the lines
行間を読む
解説 Definition
言葉の表面的な意味だけでなく、隠された真意や暗示を読み取ること。
To understand a hidden meaning that is not said directly. It is used when someone must notice hints, tone, or indirect messages in speech or writing. This phrase often suggests careful thinking and interpretation.
覚え方のコツ Memory Tip
語を分けて、read＝読む、between the lines＝行と行のあいだ、と置くと、「文字そのもの」ではなく「書かれていない部分」を読む表現だと定着しやすい。メール、会議、遠回しな断り、皮肉、含みのある発言でよく使われる。understandより一段深く、相手の本音・意図・不満を察する感じ。額面どおりに受け取るのでなく、行間のサインを拾う場面とセットで覚えると忘れにくい。
The picture is simple: you are reading not only the lines, but also what is hidden between them. That helps you remember indirect meaning, hints, and unspoken feelings. It is common for emails, polite refusals, and comments where the real message is not said directly.
例文
You need to read between the lines to understand what she really means.
彼女の本当の意味を理解するには、行間を読む必要がある。
His email seemed polite, but reading between the lines, he was clearly upset.
彼のメールは丁寧に見えたが、行間を読むと、明らかに怒っていた。
Good diplomats know how to read between the lines of official statements.
優れた外交官は公式声明の行間を読む方法を知っている。
read between the lines の類義語・関連語
類義語
read between the lines の語源・成り立ち Etymology
line はラテン語 linea「亜麻糸・線」が古フランス語を経て入り、read は古英語由来。read between the lines は文字どおり行と行の間を見る発想で、書かれていない本音や含みを拾う表現になった。関連語は linear、delineate。
Read is from Old English, while line came through Old French from Latin linea, meaning a line or thread of flax. The phrase began with the literal image of looking at what lies between written lines. It then developed the figurative sense of noticing meanings that are implied but not directly stated; linear is from the same Latin root as line.
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