不卑不亢
不卑不亢 (bù bēi bù kàng) literally means “neither humble nor proud” and expresses “maintain perfect dignified composure”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
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Maintain perfect dignified composure
Pronunciation: bù bēi bù kàng
Literal meaning: Neither humble nor proud
Origin & Usage
This balanced idiom advocates being neither (不) servile (卑) nor (不) arrogant (亢), originating from Confucian texts of the Warring States period. It first appeared in discussions of proper bearing for scholars serving in government, emphasizing dignified self-respect without overweening pride. The specific virtue of maintaining perfect equilibrium between extremes reflected the Confucian value of moderation. During the Han Dynasty, it became a standard evaluation criterion for official conduct in diplomatic contexts. Unlike terms for simple politeness, it specifically addresses power dynamics in situations of status differential. Modern usage describes ideal behavior in hierarchical contexts, from international relations to workplace interactions, where maintaining appropriate dignity without either subservience or aggression is crucial.
Examples
English: "The diplomat maintained perfect dignity when negotiating with the superpower representatives"
Chinese: 这位外交官在与超级大国代表谈判时保持着完美的尊严
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 不卑不亢 mean in English?
不卑不亢 (bù bēi bù kàng) literally translates to “Neither humble nor proud” and is used to express “Maintain perfect dignified composure”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 不卑不亢 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving maintain perfect dignified composure.
What is the pinyin for 不卑不亢?
The pinyin pronunciation for 不卑不亢 is “bù bēi bù kàng”.