不耻下问

bù chǐ xià wèn

HSK 3.0 Level 7

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Definitions

1. not feel ashamed to ask and learn from one's subordinates

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Usage notes

Common mistakes

Used when a superior humbly seeks advice from a subordinate, not when equals or students ask each other questions.

Formality

A formal, literary idiom praising humility in learning; uncommon in casual speech.

Example Sentences

1 shown

领导 不耻下问 ，向年轻员工请教新技术。

The leader was not ashamed to ask and consulted the young employees about the new technology.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Child Words of 不耻下问

• 下 下 xià: down
• 不 不 bù: no; not so
• 问 问 wèn: to ask; to inquire
• 耻 耻 chǐ: shame