non-verbal
non-verbal — 形容詞
1. relating to communication that does not use spoken or written words, often relyi
非語言
不使用文字的；不涉及言語的
relating to communication that does not use spoken or written words, often relying on gestures, facial expressions, body language, or other visual signs instead.
Rafael's non-verbal signals—like nodding and eye contact—showed he was paying close attention.
Rafael 的點頭和眼神接觸等非語言信號，顯示他正專心聆聽。
collocation: non-verbal signals / cues
The teacher raised a hand as a non-verbal cue to quiet the class.
老師舉起手作為非語言提示，要全班安靜下來。
collocation: non-verbal cue
In Japan, bowing is an important part of non-verbal communication during greetings.
在日本，鞠躬是打招呼時一種重要的非語言溝通方式。
Noa could tell from her mother's non-verbal expression that the news was bad.
Noa 從母親的非語言表情看出，那個消息很糟。
A friendly wave is a non-verbal message that people understand in almost every country.
友善的揮手是一種幾乎各國都懂的非語言訊息。
文法句型
non-verbal + noun (communication, cue, signal)
用法筆記
Frequently used before nouns such as 'communication', 'cues', 'signals', and 'behaviour'. Distinguish from sense 2 — this sense describes the method or style of communication, not a person's ability to speak.
常見錯誤
2. describes a person who is unable to speak, either temporarily due to illness or
無法言語
無法說話或使用語言的
describes a person who is unable to speak, either temporarily due to illness or injury, or permanently as part of a medical condition.
Baraka's younger brother is non-verbal and uses pictures on a tablet to communicate.
Baraka 的弟弟無法言語，他用平板電腦上的圖片來溝通。
collocation: non-verbal + [person]
After the stroke, Walid was temporarily non-verbal and wrote everything on a small board.
中風之後，Walid 暫時無法言語，他在一塊小白板上寫字。
temporary condition: after stroke / accident
The speech therapist taught the non-verbal student to point at symbols for food and drink.
語言治療師教那位無法言語的學生用手指指向食物和飲料的符號。
Many non-verbal children learn to express themselves through signs and gestures instead of speech.
許多無法言語的孩子透過手勢和符號來表達自己，而不是靠說話。
Hugo's grandfather became non-verbal after the accident but still communicated through eye movements.
Hugo 的祖父在事故後無法言語，但仍能靠轉動眼球來溝通。
- speechless
temporary and often emotional, not a permanent condition
- unable to speak
more clinical and descriptive, less common as a single term
- mute
an older term that may sound outdated or offensive in some contexts
- verbal
able to speak and use words
- articulate
able to speak clearly and fluently
文法句型
non-verbal + noun (child, patient, person)
用法筆記
Used primarily to describe people who have a speech impairment or have temporarily lost the ability to speak. In medical and educational contexts, it is a neutral, respectful term. Distinguish from sense 1 — this sense refers to a person's condition, not the method of communication.