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格格不入 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
格格不入gégébúrù(idiom) inharmoniousHSK 7, unknown, 26 strokes, rank #17020, Very Hard
格格不入gégébúrùincompatibleHSK 7, unknown, 26 strokes, rank #17020, Very Hard
gégébúrù(ge2ge2bu2ru4)ge ge bu ru T2
  1. 1(idiom) inharmonious
  2. 2incompatible
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March 24, 2026

格格不入gégébúrù(ge2ge2bu2ru4)

The idiom '格格不入' describes a situation or relationship where elements are incompatible or do not fit together harmoniously. It is often used to express feelings of awkwardness or disconnection in social or professional contexts, such as when personalities clash or cultural differences hinder communication.

Strokes26Frequency#17020DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

This idiom reflects the importance of harmony in Chinese culture, where relationships and social cohesion are highly valued. The phrase can be used to describe the challenges faced by individuals from different backgrounds trying to integrate into a new community.

Memory tip

Imagine two puzzle pieces, one shaped like a square (格) and another like a rectangle (不), trying to fit together but failing to do so. The sound 'ge2' can remind you of 'gap'—the gap between the pieces represents their incompatibility.

Meanings of 格格不入

gégébúrù(ge2ge2bu2ru4)
1(idiom) inharmonious
2incompatible
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About 格格不入

格格不入Simplified
26Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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AI study notes for 格格不入

Quick Contrast

格格不入 (incompatible) vs 不合 (not fitting) — use 格格不入 when emphasizing awkwardness in social contexts, while 不合 is more general about lack of fit.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse '格格不入' with similar idioms that imply disagreement without emphasizing incompatibility. This phrase is more formal and often used in written contexts. Common collocations include '思想' (thoughts) and '文化' (culture).

HSK Study Tips

While '格格不入' is not an HSK vocabulary word, it can be relevant for learners at HSK 5 or higher, as it's useful in discussions about social dynamics. Students should focus on understanding its usage in various contexts to enhance their conversational skills.

Common Mistakes

Learners may mistakenly say '格格不合' instead of '格格不入.' The correct phrase emphasizes the idea of not fitting together, while '合' suggests a more general disagreement. Always remember to use '入' for compatibility issues.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 格格不入

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Component characters

格gésquare
HSK 710 strokes木
View full entry
格gésquare
HSK 710 strokes木
View full entry
不bù(negative prefix)
HSK 14 strokes一
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入rùto enter
HSK 42 strokes入
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How to say (idiom) inharmonious in Chinese

“(idiom) inharmonious” in Chinese is格格不入gégébúrù

The idiom '格格不入' describes a situation or relationship where elements are incompatible or do not fit together harmoniously. It is often used to express feelings of awkwardness or disconnection in social or professional contexts, such as when personalities clash or cultural differences hinder communication.

When to use 格格不入

Be careful not to confuse '格格不入' with similar idioms that imply disagreement without emphasizing incompatibility. This phrase is more formal and often used in written contexts. Common collocations include '思想' (thoughts) and '文化' (culture).

格格不入 or something close to it

格格不入 (incompatible) vs 不合 (not fitting) — use 格格不入 when emphasizing awkwardness in social contexts, while 不合 is more general about lack of fit.

What learners get wrong

Learners may mistakenly say '格格不合' instead of '格格不入.' The correct phrase emphasizes the idea of not fitting together, while '合' suggests a more general disagreement. Always remember to use '入' for compatibility issues.

Write 格格不入

格
格
不
入

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Frequently asked questions about 格格不入

Yes, it's appropriate to use in conversations about social situations, but be mindful of the context.

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