Meaning
低贱 describes something or someone considered to be of low social status, inferior quality, or lacking in dignity. Historically, it was used to refer to people of lower social classes or occupations deemed unworthy. The word carries strong negative connotations and is considered derogatory when applied to people.
Usage
This word is quite formal and somewhat archaic in modern usage. When referring to people, it's considered offensive and disrespectful. It appears more commonly in historical contexts, classical literature, or when describing outdated social attitudes. Modern speakers generally avoid using it to describe people, though it may still describe things of poor quality.
Examples
- 01在封建社会，许多职业被认为是低贱的。, .In feudal society, many occupations were considered lowly.
- 02每个人都应该受到尊重，无论出身高低贵贱。, .Everyone should be respected, regardless of whether their birth is high or low, noble or humble.
Characters
Common collocations
- 出身低贱to be of humble birth
- 地位低贱to have low social status
Antonyms
Origin
Combines 低 (low) and 贱 (cheap/base), literally meaning 'low and cheap.' The term reflects feudal-era social hierarchies where occupations and birth determined one's worth in society.