不肖 (búxiào) refers to someone who is unworthy, incompetent, or unfilial, often implying a failure to meet familial or societal expectations. It is used in contexts where an individual's actions or character fall short of what is considered honorable or respectable, particularly in relation to family values.
HSK 7, 16 strokes, Hard
búxiào(bu4xiao4) T4
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May 27, 2026
不肖búxiào(bu4xiao4)
不肖 (búxiào) refers to someone who is unworthy, incompetent, or unfilial, often implying a failure to meet familial or societal expectations. It is used in contexts where an individual's actions or character fall short of what is considered honorable or respectable, particularly in relation to family values.
Strokes16Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, filial piety is a core value. The term 不肖 often reflects societal disappointment when someone does not live up to these expectations, highlighting the importance of family honor.
Memory Tip
Think of '不' (bù) meaning 'not' and '肖' (xiào) which sounds like 'show'—imagine someone failing to show respect or honor to their family. Visualize a person who is not living up to the expectations of their parents, thereby becoming 'unworthy' in their eyes.
About 不肖
不肖Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 不肖
Podcast: 不肖
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AI Study Notes for 不肖
Quick Contrast
不肖 (búxiào) vs 不孝 (bùxiào) — use 不肖 for general unworthiness or incompetence, while 不孝 specifically refers to being unfilial.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of '不' (bù) meaning 'not' and '肖' (xiào) which sounds like 'show'—imagine someone failing to show respect or honor to their family. Visualize a person who is not living up to the expectations of their parents, thereby becoming 'unworthy' in their eyes.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone; the first syllable '不' (bù) must be pronounced with a falling tone to convey negation. It is often used in a formal context, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Collocations include phrases like '不肖子孙' (bùxiào zǐsūn), referring to unworthy descendants.
HSK Study Tips
As a level 7 word, learners should focus on its nuanced implications about family and societal roles. It connects to HSK 6 vocabulary related to familial responsibilities and respect, such as 孝 (xiào), meaning filial piety.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, filial piety is a core value. The term 不肖 often reflects societal disappointment when someone does not live up to these expectations, highlighting the importance of family honor.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 不肖 with unfilial behavior alone, but it also encompasses general incompetence. For example, saying '他是个不肖商人' (He is an unworthy businessman) captures its broader meaning beyond family expectations.
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
Pronunciation of 不肖
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Cultural Notes for 不肖
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, filial piety is a core value. The term 不肖 often reflects societal disappointment when someone does not live up to these expectations, highlighting the importance of family honor.
Frequently Asked Questions about 不肖
You could say, '他真是个不肖的儿子,' meaning 'He is truly an unworthy son.'
It's more commonly found in literary or formal contexts rather than everyday speech.
A synonym is 不孝 (bùxiào), which specifically means unfilial.
