Chinese word

低调

Pronunciation

Pinyindī diào

Meaning

  • adjectivelow-key

Example

他在聚会上很低调，很少发言。tā zài jù huì shàng hěn dī diào hén shǎo fā yán

He is very low-key at the party and rarely speaks.

Illustration for 低调 (low-key)

More examples

这位艺术家一直低调处世，作品却很受欢迎。zhè wèi yì shù jiā yì zhí dī diào chǔ shì zuò pǐn què hěn shòu huān yíng

This artist has always kept a low profile, yet their works are very popular.

Core concept

Shows ability or success without putting it on display, while keeping ordinary behavior unobtrusive as well.

Common phrases

  • 低调处世dī diào chǔ shì

    keep a low profile

  • 在公众视野中低调zài gōng zhòng shì yě zhōng dī diào

    keep a low profile in public

Similar words

谦虚qiān xū: Showing modesty by downplaying personal abilities and accomplishments.
内敛nèi liǎn: Being emotionally reserved and keeping personal thoughts from showing openly.
不张扬bù zhāng yáng: Acting in an unobtrusive way without making a display of oneself.
含蓄hán xù: Using restrained, indirect words or behavior instead of direct expression.

Definition in Chinese

对自己的成就或行为不张扬、不夸示，表现得不引人注目。duì zì jǐ de chéng jiù huò xíng wéi bù zhāng yáng bù kuā shì biǎo xiàn de bù yǐn rén zhù mù

Word origin

低 (dī, "low") + 调 (diào, "tone or manner") forms a literal image of lowering the expressive register, which extends naturally to restrained conduct.

Usage tips

  • In conversation, 低调 (dīdiào, "low-key") is often a neutral or approving description of self-presentation, so it does not by itself suggest a lack of confidence or ability.

Other meanings

  • inconspicuousadjective
  • humbleadjective

Opposites

Word lists with this word