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不耻下问 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
不耻下问bùchǐxiàwènnot feel ashamed to ask and learn from one's subordinatesHSK 7, unknown, 23 strokes, Very Hard
bùchǐxiàwèn(bu4chi3xia4wen4)bu chi xia wen T4
  1. 1not feel ashamed to ask and learn from one's subordinates
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March 24, 2026

不耻下问(不恥下問)bùchǐxiàwèn(bu4chi3xia4wen4)

不耻下问 is an idiom that means not being ashamed to ask questions and seek knowledge from those who are less experienced or lower in status. It emphasizes the value of humility and the willingness to learn from others, regardless of their position.

Strokes23DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, there is a strong emphasis on respect for teachers and elders, making the act of seeking knowledge from others an important virtue. This idiom reflects the Confucian value of continuous self-improvement.

Memory tip

Imagine a wise old owl (representing knowledge) who is not ashamed to ask a young, inexperienced sparrow for advice on how to find food. The owl's humility shows that learning can come from anyone, no matter their status.

Meanings of 不耻下问

bùchǐxiàwèn(bu4chi3xia4wen4)
1not feel ashamed to ask and learn from one's subordinates
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About 不耻下问

不耻下问Simplified
不恥下問Traditional
23Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2

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AI study notes for 不耻下问

Usage Notes

This idiom is often used in formal or educational contexts to promote a culture of continuous learning and respect for all contributors. A common mistake is using it in a dismissive tone, which undermines its meaning of humility and respect.

HSK Study Tips

While 不耻下问 is not an HSK vocabulary item, it reflects concepts of humility and learning found in HSK Level 4 and above. Students should focus on understanding idiomatic expressions and their practical applications in conversations.

Common Mistakes

Learners often misuse 不耻下问 by applying it to situations where asking questions is inappropriate, such as in a competitive environment. Ensure you use it in contexts that value learning and collaboration.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 不耻下问

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Idiom spotlight: 不耻下问

Chengyu origin story
Literal meaning:not feel ashamed lower ask

Component characters

不bù(negative prefix)
HSK 14 strokes一
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耻chǐshame
10 strokes耳
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下xiàdown
HSK 13 strokes一
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问wènto ask
HSK 16 strokes门
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How to say not feel ashamed to ask and learn from one's subordinates in Chinese

“not feel ashamed to ask and learn from one's subordinates” in Chinese is不耻下问bùchǐxiàwèn

不耻下问 is an idiom that means not being ashamed to ask questions and seek knowledge from those who are less experienced or lower in status. It emphasizes the value of humility and the willingness to learn from others, regardless of their position.

When to use 不耻下问

This idiom is often used in formal or educational contexts to promote a culture of continuous learning and respect for all contributors. A common mistake is using it in a dismissive tone, which undermines its meaning of humility and respect.

What learners get wrong

Learners often misuse 不耻下问 by applying it to situations where asking questions is inappropriate, such as in a competitive environment. Ensure you use it in contexts that value learning and collaboration.

Write 不耻下问

不
耻
下
问

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Cultural Notes for 不耻下问

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, there may be more emphasis on self-reliance and individualism, whereas 不耻下问 highlights the importance of collaboration and collective learning.

Frequently asked questions about 不耻下问

You can say, '作为一个领导者,我不耻下问,愿意向我的团队学习。' (As a leader, I am not ashamed to ask and learn from my team.)

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