卑微

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Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The adjective 卑微 (bēiwēi) describes a humble, lowly, or inferior status or attitude. It often conveys a sense of modesty or low social standing, sometimes with a nuance of self-deprecation or meekness.

Common Contexts

It is frequently used to describe someone's social background, attitude in interpersonal relationships, or behavior when showing humility or submission.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 卑微态度: humble attitude, often used to show respect or modesty.
  • 出身卑微: humble origin/background, referring to low social status.
  • 表现卑微: to behave humbly or meekly, often in challenging situations.

Usage Notes

While 卑微 emphasizes lowliness or humility, it can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation if it implies excessive self-abasement or lack of self-respect. It differs from 谦虚 (qiānxū), which is a more positive term for modesty without implying low status.

Avoid confusing 卑微 with 卑鄙 (bēibǐ), which means despicable or mean-spirited.

Summary

Use 卑微 when you want to express humility or low social standing, especially when highlighting modesty or meekness in attitude or background.

Example Sentences

He always maintains a humble attitude at the company and works hard.

She feels her background is humble, but she never feels inferior because of

When facing a strong opponent, he behaves very humbly.