Chinese word

不耻下问

Pronunciation

Pinyinbù chǐ xià wèn

Meaning

idiomask without hesitation

Example

他很不耻下问，进步很快。tā hěn bù chǐ xià wèn jìn bù hěn kuài

He asks questions without hesitation, so he improves quickly.

Illustration for 不耻下问 (ask without hesitation)

More examples

学术讨论中，她经常不耻下问，向各方面专家请教。xué shù tǎo lùn zhōng tā jīng cháng bù chǐ xià wèn xiàng gè fāng miàn zhuān jiā qǐng jiào

During academic discussions, she often asks experts in various fields for advice without hesitation.

Core concept

Lets the search for knowledge cross social boundaries, so a learner can ask anyone with useful knowledge.

Common phrases

不耻下问地请教别人bù chǐ xià wèn dì qǐng jiào bié rén
seek advice from others without hesitation
不耻下问的人bù chǐ xià wèn de rén
a person who asks questions without hesitation

Similar words

虚怀若谷xū huái ruò gǔ: Being modest and receptive to others' good qualities and opinions for the sake of learning.
好学不倦hào xué bú juàn: Showing a lasting eagerness to learn without becoming weary.
见贤思齐jiàn xián sī qí: Taking an excellent person as a model and striving to reach that person's level.

Definition in Chinese

不因为对方地位或年纪低而不好意思提问，主动向他人请教以增长见识。bù yīn wèi duì fāng dì wèi huò nián jì dī ér bù hǎo yì si tí wèn zhǔ dòng xiàng tā rén qǐng jiào yǐ zēng zhǎng jiàn shí

Word origin

The four characters 不 (bù, "not"), 耻 (chǐ, "feel ashamed"), 下 (xià, "below"), and 问 (wèn, "ask") combine to mean that asking someone of lower status is no cause for shame.

Usage tips

This expression usually describes a valued learning quality, so it fits praise in conversation better than a routine request for information.

Other meanings

learn from anyoneidiom

Opposites

固步自封gù bù zì fēngstay stuck in one's waysidiom
闭门造车bì mén zào chēwork in isolationidiom