不屈不挠
不屈不挠 (bù qū bù náo) literally means “neither bend nor yield” and expresses “indomitable; unyielding”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving success and perseverance. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: bu qu bu nao, bu qu bu nao,不屈不挠 meaning, 不屈不挠 in english
Indomitable; unyielding
Pronunciation: bù qū bù náo
Literal meaning: Neither bend nor yield
Origin & Usage
This idiom combines two negations - not (不) bending (屈) and not (不) yielding (挠) - to describe absolute resistance to pressure. The phrase appears in historical texts praising martyrs and heroes who maintained their principles despite threats or torture. The double negation creates emphasis, suggesting complete imperviousness to coercion. It embodies the Confucian virtue of unwavering integrity and the Chinese cultural admiration for those who suffer rather than compromise. Modern usage praises determination and resilience in facing adversity.
Examples
English: "Her indomitable spirit helped her overcome every obstacle."
Chinese: 她不屈不挠的精神帮助她克服了每一个障碍。
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 不屈不挠 mean in English?
不屈不挠 (bù qū bù náo) literally translates to “Neither bend nor yield” and is used to express “Indomitable; unyielding”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 不屈不挠 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving indomitable; unyielding.
What is the pinyin for 不屈不挠?
The pinyin pronunciation for 不屈不挠 is “bù qū bù náo”.