Modesty is the art of knowing your own worth without needing to prove it to everyone else.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A positive trait of not being boastful about one's achievements.
- Reflects a willingness to learn from others and stay grounded.
- Highly valued in Chinese culture as a sign of maturity.
Overview
- 1概述：谦虚（qiānxū）是中国传统文化中极受推崇的美德。它不仅指在言语上不自吹自擂，更是一种内在的心理状态，即意识到人外有人，天外有天，始终保持学习和进步的心态。2) 使用模式：谦虚通常作为形容词使用，可以作谓语（如：他很谦虚）、定语（如：谦虚的态度）或状语（如：谦虚地接受建议）。它常与“好学”、“谨慎”等词搭配，体现一种积极向上的生活态度。3) 常见语境：在职场中，谦虚用于评价同事的合作态度；在学术交流中，谦虚体现对知识的敬畏；在家庭教育中，长辈常教导晚辈要谦虚做人。4) 近义词辨析：与“虚伪”不同，谦虚是真实的自我认知；与“自卑”不同，谦虚者对自己有信心，但不强求他人认同。与“谦让”相比，谦虚更侧重于对自身能力的评价，而谦让侧重于在利益或名次上的退让。
Examples
他是一个非常谦虚的人。
everydayHe is a very modest person.
请您谦虚地接受大家的建议。
formalPlease accept everyone's suggestions with modesty.
别夸我了，我得谦虚点儿。
informalStop praising me, I need to be more modest.
谦虚使人进步，骄傲使人落后。
academicModesty helps one progress, while pride makes one lag behind.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
谦虚谨慎
Modest and prudent
虚心请教
Humbly ask for advice
谦虚待人
Treat others with modesty
Often Confused With
Hypocrisy means being fake or insincere. Modesty is a genuine virtue, whereas hypocrisy is a moral flaw.
Inferiority complex means feeling inadequate. Modesty is about not showing off, not about feeling less than others.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
谦虚 is a positive term used in both formal and informal settings. It is often used to describe someone's character or behavior. Be careful not to use it in a way that sounds like you are devaluing yourself too much, as it should remain grounded in reality.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '谦虚' with '客气' (polite). While they overlap, '谦虚' is specifically about self-appraisal. Also, avoid using '谦虚' to describe inanimate objects; it is strictly for people or human behaviors.
Tips
Use with '态度' or '作风'
Pairing '谦虚' with nouns like 'attitude' or 'style' makes your Chinese sound more natural. For example, '谦虚的态度' is a very common phrase.
Don't confuse with '客气'
While '客气' means being polite or reserved, '谦虚' specifically refers to your attitude toward your own abilities. Don't use them interchangeably.
The virtue of modesty in China
In Chinese culture, being '谦虚' is often expected even if you are the best in your field. It shows respect to others and prevents social friction.
Word Origin
The character '谦' comes from the radical '讠' (speech) and '兼' (to combine). It suggests that a person balances their own opinions with others'. '虚' represents an empty space, symbolizing an open mind.
Cultural Context
In Chinese society, modesty is often a social lubricant. It helps maintain harmony by not making others feel inferior. It is deeply rooted in Confucian values of humility.
Memory Tip
Think of '谦' (qiān) as a word with '言' (speech) on the left, meaning you speak less about yourself. '虚' (xū) means 'empty', as in an empty cup ready to be filled with new knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions谦虚是基于自信的自我克制，而自卑是缺乏自信的表现。谦虚的人知道自己的价值，而自卑的人认为自己没有价值。
当你受到表扬、取得成就或者与长辈、专家交流时，表现得谦虚是礼貌且得体的。这有助于建立良好的人际关系。
最直接的反义词是“骄傲”或“自满”。这些词形容一个人过度夸大自己的能力，听不进他人的意见。
可以使用 humble, modest 等词汇。这些词在英语语境下也同样表示不自负的品质。
Test Yourself
他虽然获得了冠军，但依然保持着___的态度。
获得冠军后保持谦虚是正确的行为，其他词汇均表示自负。
下列哪个词可以作为谦虚的近义词？
虚心意为虚怀若谷，与谦虚含义高度一致。
他 / 总是 / 谦虚 / 待人 / 非常
符合中文主谓宾及修饰语的语序习惯。
Score: /3
Summary
Modesty is the art of knowing your own worth without needing to prove it to everyone else.
- A positive trait of not being boastful about one's achievements.
- Reflects a willingness to learn from others and stay grounded.
- Highly valued in Chinese culture as a sign of maturity.
Use with '态度' or '作风'
Pairing '谦虚' with nouns like 'attitude' or 'style' makes your Chinese sound more natural. For example, '谦虚的态度' is a very common phrase.
Don't confuse with '客气'
While '客气' means being polite or reserved, '谦虚' specifically refers to your attitude toward your own abilities. Don't use them interchangeably.
The virtue of modesty in China
In Chinese culture, being '谦虚' is often expected even if you are the best in your field. It shows respect to others and prevents social friction.
Examples
4 of 4他是一个非常谦虚的人。
He is a very modest person.
请您谦虚地接受大家的建议。
Please accept everyone's suggestions with modesty.
别夸我了，我得谦虚点儿。
Stop praising me, I need to be more modest.
谦虚使人进步，骄傲使人落后。
Modesty helps one progress, while pride makes one lag behind.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More emotions words
有点
A1A little; somewhat; rather.
可恶
A2Hateful; detestable; abominable.
心不在焉
A2Absent-minded; preoccupied.
接受地
A2Acceptingly; receptively.
成就感
B1Sense of achievement; fulfillment.
撒娇
A2To act like a spoiled child; to act cute.
上瘾
B1To be addicted to something.
沉迷
A2To be addicted to; to be engrossed in.
敬佩
B1Admiration; respect; reverence.
佩服
B1To admire; to respect.
