Meanings of 鄙视
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Podcast: 鄙视
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AI Study Notes for 鄙视
轻视 (qīngshì) vs 鄙视 (bǐshì): use 轻视 for a milder form of disdain, while 鄙视 indicates a stronger, more contemptuous attitude.
Be mindful of the tone when using 鄙视; it is quite strong and can come off as rude or arrogant. It is typically used in informal contexts. Common collocations include '鄙视他人' (despise others) and '鄙视的态度' (attitude of disdain).
As an HSK 6 word, 鄙视 connects well with other advanced vocabulary expressing emotions and evaluations. Students should focus on its usage in various contexts and practice forming sentences that convey disdain appropriately.
Learners often confuse 鄙视 with 轻视 (qīng shì), which means to underestimate someone rather than to disdain them. For example, saying '我轻视他' (I despise him) is incorrect; it should be '我鄙视他' to convey disdain.
Pronunciation of 鄙视
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Component Characters
How to say to despise in Chinese
“to despise” in Chinese is鄙视
鄙视 (bǐ shì) means to despise or disdain someone or something, indicating a strong sense of contempt. It is often used in contexts where one feels superior to another, such as in social situations or moral judgments. This term conveys a deep-seated negative attitude towards the subject being looked down upon.
When to use 鄙视
Be mindful of the tone when using 鄙视; it is quite strong and can come off as rude or arrogant. It is typically used in informal contexts. Common collocations include '鄙视他人' (despise others) and '鄙视的态度' (attitude of disdain).
鄙视 or something close to it
轻视 (qīngshì) vs 鄙视 (bǐshì): use 轻视 for a milder form of disdain, while 鄙视 indicates a stronger, more contemptuous attitude.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 鄙视 with 轻视 (qīng shì), which means to underestimate someone rather than to disdain them. For example, saying '我轻视他' (I despise him) is incorrect; it should be '我鄙视他' to convey disdain.
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Grammar Patterns of 鄙视
鄙视 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. 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.
我永远不会原谅他。我____他。
I can never, ever forgive him. I despise him.
Example Sentences for 鄙视 (2)
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Cultural Notes for 鄙视
In Western cultures, expressing disdain might be more openly criticized, whereas in Chinese culture, it can be a subtle yet impactful part of social interactions.
Frequently Asked Questions about 鄙视
鄙视 is generally considered informal and may not be appropriate in formal writing. Consider using more neutral terms like '不赞同' (disagree) instead.
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