你不知道的事 Nǐ bù zhī dào de shì
All the Things You Never Knew
1. Why This Song Is Perfect for Learning Chinese
2007 piano ballad from the movie 《不能说的秘密》. Gentle, poetic lyrics full of unspoken love. Perfect for intermediate learners who want emotional vocabulary and natural rhythm.
2. Cultural & Emotional Background
The song is the theme for Jay Chou’s film about time-travel love. “你不知道的事” expresses all the feelings the singer never said. It became a confession anthem across Chinese schools. Wang Leehom’s soft voice adds extra tenderness. Many fans still use it to confess feelings.
3. Key Excerpts & Breakdown
Opening
蝴蝶眨几次眼睛才学会飞行
Translation: “How many times must a butterfly blink to learn to fly”
Famous line
多的是你不知道的事
Translation: “There are so many things you never knew”
Pain
对不起 我却没捉紧你
Translation: “I’m sorry I didn’t hold you tight”
Final
你不知道我为什么离开你
Translation: “You don’t know why I left you”
4. Partial English Translation
How many times must a butterfly blink to learn to fly?
I flew, but you fell at that moment.
I’m sorry I didn’t hold you tight.
There are so many things you never knew.
5. Useful Vocabulary & Phrases
| Pinyin | Chinese | English |
|---|---|---|
| hú dié | 蝴蝶 | butterfly |
| zhuā jǐn | 捉紧 | hold tight |
| duì bù qǐ | 对不起 | I’m sorry |
| pán xuán | 盘旋 | hover |
| duō de shì | 多的是 | there are so many |
6. Grammar & Patterns
- 才 + verb = only then
- 却 = but / however
7. Listening & Shadowing Tips
The piano makes it easy to follow the melody while reading.