adjective / verb HSK 5
Traditional 低調
low-key · modest · understated · to keep a low profile
Meaning
低调 describes an attitude or behavior of being modest, unassuming, and avoiding drawing attention to oneself. It contrasts with showing off or being ostentatious. The term emphasizes humility and restraint in both speech and action.
Usage
Commonly used to praise someone's modest demeanor or to advise someone to be more discreet. Can function as an adjective (他很低调 'he's very low-key') or as a verb phrase (做事要低调 'keep a low profile in what you do'). Highly valued in Chinese culture as a positive personal quality.
Examples
- 01他虽然很有钱，但一直很低调。, .Although he's very wealthy, he's always been low-key.
- 02最近要低调一点，别惹麻烦。, .Keep a low profile recently and don't cause trouble.
Characters
Common collocations
- 低调做人to conduct oneself modestly
- 保持低调to keep a low profile
- 行事低调to act in a low-key manner
- 为人低调to be a low-key person
Antonyms
Origin
Originally from music terminology referring to a low pitch or key. Extended metaphorically to describe a restrained, modest manner of conducting oneself.