Humility is the virtue of not being arrogant and respecting others.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Humility means not being arrogant or boastful.
- It's about respecting others and acknowledging limitations.
- A valuable trait for positive relationships.
Overview
谦逊（qiān xùn）是一个汉语词语，指的是一种不自大、不骄傲、不炫耀的品德。拥有谦逊品质的人通常对自己的能力和成就保持客观的态度，不轻易夸耀，并且尊重他人。这种品质在人际交往和社会互动中非常重要，因为它有助于建立和谐的关系，并赢得他人的信任和尊重。
谦逊常用来形容一个人的态度、品格或行为。它可以作为名词使用，例如“他是一个很有谦逊的人”，也可以用来描述一种状态，例如“保持谦逊的态度”。在表达上，它通常与“不骄傲”、“不自大”、“低调”等词语联系在一起。
谦逊在日常生活中、工作场合以及学术领域都非常常见。例如，在工作面试中，面试官会考察候选人是否谦逊；在团队合作中，谦逊的成员更容易与他人协作；在学习过程中，谦逊的态度有助于不断进步；在处理人际关系时，谦逊能避免不必要的冲突。
与“谦虚”（qiān xū）相比，“谦逊”更侧重于不自满、不炫耀自己的成就和地位，强调的是一种内在的品德和外在的表现。而“谦虚”则更广泛，可以指虚心求教、不自满，也包括谦逊的意思，但“谦逊”的含义更具体，指向不骄傲自大。
与“低调”（dī diào）相比，“低调”更多指不张扬、不显摆，生活方式或行事风格不引人注目。而“谦逊”是一种内在的品德，虽然表现上可能不张扬，但其核心是认识到自身的局限和尊重他人，不因成就而自视过高。
与“自卑”（zì bēi）相比，“谦逊”是一种健康的心态，认识到自己的不足但并不否定自己的价值，并能尊重他人。而“自卑”则是一种过度的否定自我，认为自己不如他人，缺乏自信。
Examples
他虽然是专家，但待人非常谦逊。
everydayAlthough he is an expert, he is very humble in dealing with people.
在学术会议上，学者们应保持谦逊，尊重不同的观点。
formalAt academic conferences, scholars should maintain humility and respect different viewpoints.
别太骄傲了，要谦逊一点。
informalDon't be so arrogant, be a bit more humble.
这位年轻的艺术家以其谦逊的品格和卓越的才华赢得了赞誉。
academicThis young artist earned praise for his humble character and exceptional talent.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
为人谦逊
to be a humble person
态度谦逊
humble attitude
保持谦逊
remain humble
Often Confused With
While closely related and often interchangeable in casual use, '谦逊' (qiānxùn) specifically emphasizes not boasting about achievements or status and respecting others. '谦虚' (qiānxū) is broader, encompassing modesty, willingness to learn, and not being complacent.
'低调' (dī diào) refers to being low-key, not drawing attention to oneself, and having a modest lifestyle or way of doing things. '谦逊' (qiānxùn) is an internal virtue of not being arrogant, which might lead to a low-key demeanor, but the core is about inner character.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Humility is generally considered a positive trait across most contexts. It is appropriate in both formal and informal settings. Expressing humility does not mean putting yourself down excessively, but rather maintaining a balanced perspective on your abilities and achievements.
Common Mistakes
Confusing humility with lack of confidence or self-worth. True humility comes from a secure sense of self, not from insecurity. Also, mistaking arrogance for confidence, or mistaking politeness for genuine humility.
Tips
Practice Active Listening
Show humility by truly listening to others' perspectives. Avoid interrupting and seek to understand before responding.
Avoid False Humility
Be genuine in your humility. Pretending to be modest when you are actually arrogant can be perceived negatively.
Valued in East Asian Cultures
Humility is highly valued in many East Asian cultures, including Chinese culture, as a sign of maturity and respect.
Word Origin
The character 谦 (qiān) originally meant 'to bend' or 'to yield', suggesting a yielding or deferential attitude. 逊 (xùn) means 'to yield', 'to be modest', or 'inferior'. Together, they form the concept of yielding and not being arrogant.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, humility is highly regarded as a virtue, reflecting maturity, respect for others, and self-awareness. It is often contrasted with arrogance, which is seen as a negative trait leading to downfall.
Memory Tip
Think of 'qian' (qian) like 'can' you achieve something, and 'xun' (xun) like 'soon' you'll learn more. A humble person knows they 'can' do things but also knows they'll 'soon' need to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“谦逊”更强调不自满、不炫耀自己的成就和地位，是一种内在的品德和外在表现。“谦虚”则更广泛，包括虚心求教和不自满，也包含谦逊的意思，但“谦逊”的含义更具体。
谦逊有助于建立良好的人际关系，因为不骄傲的态度更容易赢得他人的信任和尊重。同时，谦逊的人更能认识到自身的不足，从而不断学习和进步。
可以通过不轻易夸耀自己的成就，多听取他人的意见，承认自己的错误，并且在与人交往中保持平和的态度来体现谦逊。
完全不是。谦逊是一种内在的力量，它源于对自己有清晰的认识，并尊重他人。一个谦逊的人完全可以自信且有能力，只是他们不以此自傲。
Test Yourself
他虽然取得了很大的成就，但为人一直很_______，从不炫耀。
句意是说虽然有成就但不炫耀，符合“谦逊”的含义。
下列哪个选项最能体现“谦逊”？
选项b准确地描述了谦逊的核心特征：不自夸，尊重他人。
请用“谦逊”组建一个完整的句子。
选项a是一个完整的句子，用“谦逊”描述了一个人的表现。
Score: /3
Summary
Humility is the virtue of not being arrogant and respecting others.
- Humility means not being arrogant or boastful.
- It's about respecting others and acknowledging limitations.
- A valuable trait for positive relationships.
Practice Active Listening
Show humility by truly listening to others' perspectives. Avoid interrupting and seek to understand before responding.
Avoid False Humility
Be genuine in your humility. Pretending to be modest when you are actually arrogant can be perceived negatively.
Valued in East Asian Cultures
Humility is highly valued in many East Asian cultures, including Chinese culture, as a sign of maturity and respect.
Examples
4 of 4他虽然是专家，但待人非常谦逊。
Although he is an expert, he is very humble in dealing with people.
在学术会议上，学者们应保持谦逊，尊重不同的观点。
At academic conferences, scholars should maintain humility and respect different viewpoints.
别太骄傲了，要谦逊一点。
Don't be so arrogant, be a bit more humble.
这位年轻的艺术家以其谦逊的品格和卓越的才华赢得了赞誉。
This young artist earned praise for his humble character and exceptional talent.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
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.
