adjective HSK 5
Traditional 謙遜
modest · humble · unassuming
Meaning
谦逊 describes a person who is modest and humble in their behavior and attitude, not boasting about their achievements or abilities. It's a highly valued quality in Chinese culture, often associated with refinement and good character.
Usage
This is a formal, literary term commonly used in written Chinese or formal speech to praise someone's character. In everyday conversation, people might use 谦虚 (qiān xū) instead, which has a similar meaning but is slightly more colloquial. 谦逊 emphasizes both modesty in words and humility in demeanor.
Examples
- 01他虽然很有成就，但为人一直很谦逊。, .Although he has achieved a lot, he has always been very humble.
- 02她谦逊的态度赢得了大家的尊重。.Her modest attitude won everyone's respect.
Characters
Common collocations
- 为人谦逊modest in character
- 态度谦逊humble attitude
- 谦逊有礼modest and courteous
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters relate to humility: 谦 contains the speech radical (讠) suggesting humble speech, while 逊 originally meant to step back or yield to others.