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March 24, 2026
小人()xiǎorén(xiao3ren2)
小人 (xiǎo rén) refers to a person of low social status, often used in classical texts. It can also be a self-deprecating term for oneself, emphasizing humility. Additionally, it may denote someone with a nasty or vile character, often in a moral or ethical context.
Frequency#8348DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of 小人 reflects the importance of moral integrity and social status. It is often used in Confucian texts to describe individuals who act out of self-interest rather than for the common good.
Memory Tip
Imagine a small (小) person (人) who is always lurking in the shadows, trying to undermine others. This small figure represents deceit and lowliness, helping you remember that 小人 can mean both a low-status person and a nasty character.
Meanings of 小人
xiǎorén(xiao3ren2)
1person of low social status (old)
2I, me (used to refer humbly to oneself)
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About 小人
小人Simplified
Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 小人
Podcast: 小人
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AI Study Notes for 小人
Quick Contrast
卑鄙 (bēibǐ, despicable) vs 小人 (xiǎorén) — use 小人 for a broader social context or self-deprecation, while 卑鄙 focuses specifically on moral character.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a small (小) person (人) who is always lurking in the shadows, trying to undermine others. This small figure represents deceit and lowliness, helping you remember that 小人 can mean both a low-status person and a nasty character.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include using 小人 too casually in formal settings, as it may imply disdain. It is often used in literary contexts, so learners should be cautious about its use in everyday conversation. Remember that the tone of the word can change its implication significantly.
HSK Study Tips
While 小人 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it can be related to discussions of social hierarchy and character traits, which are common themes in HSK Level 4 and above. Focus on understanding how this term fits within Chinese literature and philosophy.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of 小人 reflects the importance of moral integrity and social status. It is often used in Confucian texts to describe individuals who act out of self-interest rather than for the common good.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 小人 with the more neutral term 人, forgetting the negative implications of 小人. For instance, saying '他是个小人' (tā shì gè xiǎo rén) can sound like a serious insult, rather than a mere description of social status.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 小人
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Cultural Notes for 小人
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of 小人 reflects the importance of moral integrity and social status. It is often used in Confucian texts to describe individuals who act out of self-interest rather than for the common good.
Frequently Asked Questions about 小人
No, 小人 typically carries a negative connotation and is not suitable for friendly or casual references.
Yes, using 小人 to refer to oneself is a humble expression, but it should be reserved for specific contexts.
While it's less common today, 小人 is still used in classical literature and discussions about ethics.
