lit. I dare not (accept the honor); fig. I don't deserve your praise
HSK 7, l, 21 strokes, rank #33726, Very Hard
不敢当
bùgǎndāng
you flatter me
HSK 7, l, 21 strokes, rank #33726, Very Hard
bùgǎndāng(bu4gan3dang1) T4
1lit. I dare not (accept the honor); fig. I don't deserve your praise
2you flatter me
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March 24, 2026
不敢当(不敢當)bùgǎndāng(bu4gan3dang1)
The phrase 不敢当 (bù gǎn dāng) is used to express humility in response to praise or compliments. It literally means 'I dare not accept the honor,' indicating that the speaker feels unworthy of the recognition being given to them.
Strokes21Frequency#33726DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, modesty is highly valued, and phrases like 不敢当 reflect the importance of humility in interpersonal relationships. It is common for individuals to downplay their achievements and express gratitude when praised.
Memory Tip
Imagine someone being offered a trophy but feeling too shy or embarrassed to accept it, saying '不敢当' while holding their hands up in refusal. The character 不 (bù) means 'not,' 敢 (gǎn) means 'to dare,' and 当 (dāng) means 'to accept' or 'to face.' Picture this scene to remember the phrase's meaning and sound.
Meanings of 不敢当
bùgǎndāng(bu4gan3dang1)
1lit. I dare not (accept the honor); fig. I don't deserve your praise
2you flatter me
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About 不敢当
不敢当Simplified
不敢當Traditional
21Strokes
—Radical
习用语phrase (phr.)Part of Speech
#33726Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 不敢当
Podcast: 不敢当
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AI Study Notes for 不敢当
Usage Notes
This expression is often used in formal and informal contexts to show modesty. A common mistake is to use it inappropriately when someone is not genuinely complimenting you, which can come off as insincere. Remember to use it in response to actual praise.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 不敢当 connects with other expressions of humility and politeness. Students should focus on recognizing its context in conversations where acknowledgment and humility are involved, enhancing their understanding of social interactions in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly reply with 不敢当 when someone is offering help or assistance, rather than a compliment. Instead, use it specifically in response to praise to maintain its intended meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 不敢当
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How to say lit. I dare not (accept the honor); fig. I don't deserve your praise in Chinese
“lit. I dare not (accept the honor); fig. I don't deserve your praise” in Chinese is不敢当bùgǎndāng
The phrase 不敢当 (bù gǎn dāng) is used to express humility in response to praise or compliments. It literally means 'I dare not accept the honor,' indicating that the speaker feels unworthy of the recognition being given to them.
When to use 不敢当
This expression is often used in formal and informal contexts to show modesty. A common mistake is to use it inappropriately when someone is not genuinely complimenting you, which can come off as insincere. Remember to use it in response to actual praise.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly reply with 不敢当 when someone is offering help or assistance, rather than a compliment. Instead, use it specifically in response to praise to maintain its intended meaning.
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不
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Frequently Asked Questions about 不敢当
Use 不敢当 in response to compliments or praise to express modesty.
Yes, it can be used in both formal and informal situations.
It is best used when you genuinely feel humble about the recognition.
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