Meaning
卑贱 describes a person or position that is lowly, humble, or of inferior social status. It carries a strong negative connotation in modern usage, often implying contempt or disdain. Historically, it was used to describe people of low birth or social standing in feudal society.
Usage
This term is quite formal and literary, rarely used in everyday conversation. When used, it often appears in historical contexts, classical literature, or when someone is deliberately using harsh, demeaning language. In modern discourse, it can sound archaic or overly harsh.
Examples
- 01在封建社会，出身卑贱的人很难改变命运。, .In feudal society, people of humble birth found it very difficult to change their fate.
- 02他虽然地位卑贱，但从不自暴自弃。, .Although his status was lowly, he never gave up on himself.
Characters
Common collocations
- 出身卑贱born of humble origins
- 地位卑贱lowly status
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters reinforce the concept of lowliness. 卑 originally depicted something low or beneath, while 贱 combines the shell/money radical 贝 with 戋 (small/insignificant), suggesting something of little value.