不苟言笑 bù gǒu yán xiào

DEFINITIONS

  1. not talk or laugh insincerely; serious and solemn

CHARACTERS

不 bù
HSK 1
no, not; un-; negative prefix
苟 gǒu
HSK 6
careless, frivolous; illicit; grammatical particle: if, but, if only; surname; grass name; distinguish DKW 30853 (ji4)
言 yán
HSK 4
words, speech; speak, say
笑 xiào
HSK 2
smile, laugh, giggle; snicker