Read lips Meaning in English
expression
ˈɹɛd/, /ˈɹid/ /ˈɫɪps
RED-lips, REED-lips
ɹiːd/ /lˈɪps
REED-lips
Definition
To understand what someone is saying by watching the movements of their lips, usually when you cannot hear their voice.
Usage & Nuances
'Read lips' is commonly used when referring to people who are deaf or in noisy environments. Not everyone can 'read lips' well. Usually used in the form 'can/can't read lips.' Can also appear as 'lip-read.'
Spanish: leer los labiosPortuguese (BR): ler os lábiosPortuguese (PT): ler os lábiosChinese (Simplified): 读唇语Chinese (Traditional): 讀脣語Hindi: होंठ पढ़नाArabic: قراءة الشفاهBengali: ঠোঁট পড়া - ঠোঁটের নড়াচড়া অনুসারে বোঝাRussian: читать по губамJapanese: 読唇するVietnamese: đọc khẩu hìnhKorean: 입술을 읽다Turkish: dudak okumakUrdu: ہونٹ پڑھناIndonesian: membaca gerak bibir
Example Sentences
Some people can read lips to understand others.
basic
She tried to read lips during the loud concert.
basic
It is hard to read lips if someone has a mustache.
basic
Can you read lips, or do you need me to speak louder?
natural
I wish I could read lips—it would be so useful in meetings!
natural
My friend is deaf, so she's learned to read lips really well.
natural