讨好

tǎo hǎo

HSK 3.0 Level 7 Verb Uncommon

Definitions

1. to get the desired outcome
2. to win favor by fawning on sb
3. to curry favor with
4. a fruitful outcome to reward one's labor

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Word relationships

Antonyms

1 item

得罪

dé zuì

to commit an offense

Opposite of currying favor; to offend.

Register variants

1 item

拍马屁

pāi mǎ pì

to flatter

Informal equivalent meaning to flatter or butter up.

Synonyms

2 items

奉承

fèng cheng

to fawn on

Same meaning of flattering to gain favor.

巴结

bā jie

to fawn on

Colloquial synonym for currying favor.

Usage notes

Common mistakes

Learners often misuse 讨好 as a general verb for 'please'; it specifically implies flattery or currying favor.

Formality

讨好 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but is less colloquial than 拍马屁.

Example Sentences

1 shown

他这样做是为了讨好老板。

He did this to curry favor with the boss.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Words Containing 讨好

吃力不讨好

chī lì bù tǎo hǎo

arduous and thankless task (idiom); strenuous and unrewarding

to curry favor

to throw oneself at sb or sth

讨好卖乖

tǎo hǎo mài guāi

to curry favor by showing obeisance (idiom)

费力不讨好

fèi lì bù tǎo hǎo