醉翁之意不在酒 in English zui4 weng1 zhi1 yi4 bu4 zai4 jiu3 Meaning

Meanings

  • wine-lover's heart is not in the cup (idiomatic expression); a drinker not really interested in alcohol
  • having an ulterior motive
  • to have other things in mind
  • with an ax to grind
  • accomplishing something besides what one set out to do

Simplified Characters

醉 翁 之 意 不 在 酒

Traditional Characters

醉 翁 之 意 不 在 酒

Pinyin

zui4 weng1 zhi1 yi4 bu4 zai4 jiu3

Literal

Literal explanation, with pronunciation and meaning of each character.

醉zui4intoxicated 翁weng1surname Weng 之zhi1(possessive particle, literary equivalent of 的[de5]) 意yi4Italy 不bu4(negative prefix) 在zai4(located) at 酒jiu3wine (esp. rice wine)