Meaning
This phrase literally means 'lacking bone-spirit' and describes someone who lacks moral courage, integrity, or the strength to stand up for themselves or their principles. It suggests weakness of character, especially in situations requiring bravery or moral fortitude.
Usage
This is a fairly strong criticism of someone's character, suggesting they compromise their principles too easily or lack the courage to resist pressure. It's commonly used when someone betrays their values, fails to stand up for what's right, or shows excessive cowardice in the face of opposition. The tone is negative and judgmental.
Examples
- 01他为了讨好老板，什么原则都不要了，真是没骨气。, , .To please his boss, he abandoned all his principles—he's really spineless.
- 02面对欺负就只会忍气吞声，太没骨气了！, !When faced with bullying, all he does is swallow his anger—that's so spineless!
Characters
Common collocations
- 真没骨气really spineless
- 没骨气的人a spineless person
- 太没骨气了way too spineless
Antonyms
Origin
The word 骨气 (gǔ qi) combines 'bone' with 'spirit/energy' to represent inner strength and integrity—the idea that one's character should be as firm as bone. Adding 没 (not have) creates the negative, describing someone whose character lacks this firmness.