Chinese word

谦虚

Pronunciation

Pinyinqiān xū

Meaning

  • adjectivemodest

Example

他很谦虚，从不夸耀自己。tā hěn qiān xū cóng bù kuā yào zì jǐ

He is very modest and never boasts about himself.

Illustration for 谦虚 (modest)

More examples

作为领导，他对下属很谦虚。zuò wéi líng dǎo tā duì xià shǔ hěn qiān xū

As a leader, he is very modest toward his subordinates.

Core concept

Places ability, status, and achievement in the background instead of making them the center of attention.

Common phrases

  • 谦虚的人qiān xū de rén

    a modest person

  • 态度谦虚tài dù qiān xū

    modest in attitude

  • 显得谦虚xiǎn de qiān xū

    appear modest

Similar words

低调dī diào: Keeping a quiet profile and avoiding behavior that makes a person or event stand out.
谦逊qiān xùn: Downplaying one's own abilities or accomplishments when speaking about them.
虚心xū xīn: Listening to and accepting others' ideas with an open mind instead of insisting on one's own.
谦和qiān hé: Using gentle words and showing a mild, unassuming manner.

Definition in Chinese

对自己能力、地位或成就不夸大，言行谦和、低调。duì zì jǐ néng lì dì wèi huò chéng jiù bù kuā dà yán xíng qiān hé dī diào

Word origin

谦 (qiān, "modest") is joined with 虚 (xū, "empty") to suggest leaving the self free of inflated importance.

Usage tips

  • The word fits someone who downplays personal success while still having real ability, a useful distinction from lacking confidence or skill.

Other meanings

  • humbleadjective

Opposites

Word lists with this word