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以聲傳心

이성전심 以聲傳心

To convey one's true heart and sincerity through the resonance of sound, voice, or music.

Korean Idiom 4-character idiom Learn with Music
Quick Answer

이성전심 (以聲傳心) means "To convey one's true heart and sincerity through the resonance of sound, voice, or music.". While sharing roots with the Buddhist concept of 'Ishim-jeonsim' (mind-to-mind communication), this

1 Meaning

이성전심 (以聲傳心) means “To convey one's true heart and sincerity through the resonance of sound, voice, or music.”.

Iseong-jeonsim (以聲傳心) refers to the act of transmitting one's genuine feelings to another through the medium of sound. It signifies achieving deep empathy and connection using the raw resonance of sincerity, free from superficiality or flowery rhetoric.

The Western Equivalent

No exact match — here's why

No direct English equivalent. The phrase means "conveying the heart through sound" — communicating feeling that words cannot carry, as through music. The nearest sentiment is "music speaks what cannot be said," but there is no set English idiom for it.

2 Examples

1

Attempting to reconcile with a friend after a long period of conflict and misunderstanding.

Instead of reciting a prepared list of excuses, you speak a simple apology with a voice trembling with genuine emotion.

2

A public speaker sharing their personal history of failure in front of a large audience.

Rather than trying to appear perfect, they share their vulnerabilities using an honest and transparent tone of voice.

3

A contestant on a music audition show focusing on raw emotion rather than technical display.

They choose to sing a song about their life's journey with quiet strength and simplicity rather than using flashy high notes.

4

Trying to comfort a colleague who is going through a period of deep personal grief.

Instead of offering long-winded advice, you offer a short, warm message of support, letting your presence be felt through your tone.

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Pick the everyday scene where “이성전심” fits best.

3 Origin

While sharing roots with the Buddhist concept of 'Ishim-jeonsim' (mind-to-mind communication), this idiom specifically highlights the role of 'sound' (聲) as the bridge. It encompasses the philosophy that when language and writing reach their limits, the trembling of a voice, a shared breath, or the melody of a song can directly connect one soul to another. When a speaker or singer infuses their wounds and tears into their voice, it ceases to be mere auditory data and becomes a living truth of their existence. Historically, it also implies the profound way a master might transmit unspoken wisdom to a disciple through the subtle resonance of heart and voice.

4 Key Lessons

1

Sincerity carries more weight in an honest voice than in a collection of elaborate words.

2

True healing and connection begin when you are brave enough to let your pain and imperfections resonate in your voice.

3

A sound that reveals your true essence is far more powerful than a performance designed to impress others.

5 English Expression

English Vocabulary

ignite

불붙이다, 점화하다

"The singer's passion managed to ignite the interest of the whole audience."

amplify

증폭시키다, 확대하다

"Electronic speakers are used to amplify the sound of the acoustic guitar."

reveal

드러내다, 밝히다

"She finally decided to reveal her secret talent to her friends."

echo

울림, 메아리치다

"The sound of his footsteps echoed through the empty hallway."

6 Learn with Music

이성전심 track image

이성전심 Track

Echo of My Heart (以聲傳心)

말로 설명하지 않아도, 이 목소리 하나로 내 마음은 이미 전해졌다.

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이성전심

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