颐指气使(頤指氣使)
颐指气使 (yí zhǐ qì shǐ) literally means “command with chin gestures and breath”and expresses “be domineering and arrogant”.This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships & character.
Also searched as: yi zhi qi shi, yi zhi qi shi,颐指气使 meaning, 颐指气使 in english
Pronunciation: yí zhǐ qì shǐ Literal meaning: Command with chin gestures and breath
Origin & Usage
This idiom describes commanding others with chin (颐) gestures (指) and breathing (气) to direct (使). It depicts someone so arrogant they give orders through mere facial expressions and sighs rather than words. This behavior was associated with tyrannical masters commanding servants. Modern usage criticizes bossy, imperious behavior that treats others as beneath verbal communication.
When to Use
Situation: The arrogant manager treated employees like servants.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 颐指气使 mean in English?
颐指气使 (yí zhǐ qì shǐ) literally translates to “Command with chin gestures and breath”and is used to express “Be domineering and arrogant”. This Chinese idiom belongs to theRelationships & Character category..
When is 颐指气使 used?
Situation: The arrogant manager treated employees like servants.
What is the pinyin for 颐指气使?
The pinyin pronunciation for 颐指气使 is “yí zhǐ qì shǐ”.