Meanings of 对得起
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Podcast: 对得起
Podcast: 对得起
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AI study notes for 对得起
对得起 (duìdeqǐ) vs 对不起 (duìbùqǐ) — use 对得起 when emphasizing fairness or meeting expectations, while 对不起 expresses an apology or regret.
This phrase is often used in both formal and informal contexts. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar phrases like ‘对不起’ (duì bu qǐ), which means 'sorry'. Pay attention to the tone when using it, as the meaning changes significantly with the wrong tone.
While not an HSK word, 对得起 connects to concepts of obligation and fairness that are important in HSK vocabulary. Focus on understanding its use in sentences to grasp the nuances of moral responsibility in Mandarin.
Learners often confuse 对得起 with 对不起. For example, saying '我对得不起你' is incorrect; the right phrase is '我对不起你' when apologizing.
Pronunciation of 对得起
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Component characters
How to say not to let sb down in Chinese
“not to let sb down” in Chinese is对得起
对得起 means to not let someone down or to treat them fairly. It conveys a sense of being worthy of someone's expectations or trust, often used in contexts where integrity and fairness are emphasized, such as in personal relationships or professional settings.
When to use 对得起
This phrase is often used in both formal and informal contexts. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar phrases like ‘对不起’ (duì bu qǐ), which means 'sorry'. Pay attention to the tone when using it, as the meaning changes significantly with the wrong tone.
对得起 or something close to it
对得起 (duìdeqǐ) vs 对不起 (duìbùqǐ) — use 对得起 when emphasizing fairness or meeting expectations, while 对不起 expresses an apology or regret.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 对得起 with 对不起. For example, saying '我对得不起你' is incorrect; the right phrase is '我对不起你' when apologizing.
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Frequently asked questions about 对得起
You can say, '我会对得起我的朋友,' meaning 'I will not let my friend down.'
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