HSK · Level 87
45 words
Chinese word
讨好
Pronunciation
Pinyintǎo hǎo
Meaning
- verbcurry favor with
Example
他总是讨好老板。tā zǒng shì táo hǎo láo bǎn
He always curries favor with his boss.
More examples
为了争取合同，他经常讨好客户。wèi le zhēng qǔ hé tóng tā jīng cháng táo hǎo kè hù
To win the contract, he often curries favor with the customer.
Core concept
Shape words or actions to win another person's approval or a useful response.
Common phrases
讨好老板táo hǎo láo bǎn
curry favor with the boss
讨好客户táo hǎo kè hù
curry favor with the customer
讨好同事táo hǎo tóng shì
curry favor with a colleague
Similar words
奉承fèng chéng: Trying to gain favor by saying pleasing and admiring things to someone.
拍马屁pāi mǎ pì: Using exaggerated praise in a blunt, informal attempt to gain favor.
巴结bā jié: Trying to gain favors or benefits by pleasing a person with power or influence.
献媚xiàn mèi: Seeking goodwill or benefits by acting overly eager to please and impress someone.
Definition in Chinese
用讨好的话或行为迎合别人，以取得对方的好感或方便。yòng táo hǎo de huà huò xíng wéi yíng hé bié rén yǐ qǔ dé duì fāng de háo gǎn huò fāng biàn
Word origin
讨好 (tǎohǎo, "seek favor") combines 讨 (tǎo, "seek") + 好 (hǎo, "good or favorable"), picturing an effort to obtain someone's goodwill.
Usage tips
- In conversation, the word often sounds more critical than simply saying that someone is being polite, so it is not usually a neutral compliment.