Meanings of 谦虚
By ear
Play it, then pick what 谦虚 means.
About 谦虚
Podcast: 谦虚
Podcast: 谦虚
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 谦虚
谦逊 (qiānxùn) - use 谦虚 when emphasizing a general attitude of modesty, while 谦逊 often refers to specific acts of humility.
Learners often confuse 谦虚 with the more direct term for 'humble' (谦卑). While both convey humility, 谦虚 is more about modest behavior in social contexts. It's important to use 谦虚 in formal settings to express respect, while avoiding overuse in casual conversations.
As a Level 5 word, 谦虚 connects with other terms related to character and personality, such as 自信 (zìxìn, confident) and 骄傲 (jiāo'ào, proud). Students should focus on how 谦虚 can be used to describe not only individuals but also cultures and societies that value humility.
Learners often misuse 谦虚 when they want to express simple humility, leading to incorrect phrasing like '我很谦卑' (I am very humble), which sounds overly formal. Instead, they should say '我很谦虚' for a more natural expression.
Pronunciation of 谦虚
Drill the tone of 谦虚 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 谦虚 to You
Let me explain 谦虚 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 谦虚 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Component Characters
How to say modest in Chinese
“modest” in Chinese is谦虚
谦虚 (qian1 xu1) refers to the quality of being modest or self-effacing, often in relation to one's abilities or achievements. It is commonly used in contexts where humility is valued, such as in personal interactions or discussions about accomplishments. The term conveys a sense of restraint and an acknowledgment of the contributions of others.
When to use 谦虚
Learners often confuse 谦虚 with the more direct term for 'humble' (谦卑). While both convey humility, 谦虚 is more about modest behavior in social contexts. It's important to use 谦虚 in formal settings to express respect, while avoiding overuse in casual conversations.
谦虚 or something close to it
谦逊 (qiānxùn) - use 谦虚 when emphasizing a general attitude of modesty, while 谦逊 often refers to specific acts of humility.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 谦虚 when they want to express simple humility, leading to incorrect phrasing like '我很谦卑' (I am very humble), which sounds overly formal. Instead, they should say '我很谦虚' for a more natural expression.
Write 谦虚
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 谦虚 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 谦虚
谦虚 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
“你表面____，骨子里目中无人。”她说道。
"Your modesty is a cover for your overweening conceit," she said.
Example Sentences for 谦虚 (6)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 谦虚?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Frequently Asked Questions about 谦虚
谦虚 (qian1 xu1) refers to being modest or self-effacing, while 谦卑 (qian1 bei1) emphasizes a deeper sense of humility or lowliness. 谦虚 is more common in social contexts.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 谦虚?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.