In the rich and intricate tapestry of the Chinese language, certain phrases carry significant weight and cultural implications. One such phrase is 看不起 (kàn bù qǐ), which translates to “to look down upon” or “to disdain.” In this article, we will delve into the meaning, grammatical structure, and practical usage of this commonly encountered expression.
What Does 看不起 (kàn bù qǐ) Mean?
The phrase 看不起 (kàn bù qǐ) is often used to express a sense of contempt or superiority over someone or something. It implies that the speaker does not regard the object of disdain as worthy of respect or consideration. This feeling can arise in various social contexts, whether in personal relationships, professional settings, or societal commentary.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, showing respect is of utmost importance, and 看不起 notably reflects social hierarchies and norms. To be looked down upon can carry significant emotional weight, and thus, understanding its implications is essential for navigating social interactions.
Grammatical Structure of 看不起
To fully appreciate 看不起, it’s important to dissect its grammatical components. It consists of two characters:
- 看 (kàn): meaning “to see” or “to look.”
- 不起 (bù qǐ): a phrase indicating “not able to” or “not worth.” When combined with 看, it changes the meaning to express a lack of regard.
Thus, 看不起 (kàn bù qǐ)
literally translates to “cannot look up to” or “unable to regard with respect.”
Example Sentences Using 看不起
Here are some example sentences that illustrate the usage of 看不起 (kàn bù qǐ) in different contexts:
1. Social Context
他总是看不起那些不努力工作的人。
(Tā zǒng shì kàn bù qǐ nàxiē bù nǔlì gōngzuò de rén.)
“He always looks down on those who don’t work hard.”
2. Professional Setting
在职场上,看不起同事只会影响团队合作。
(Zài zhíchǎng shàng, kàn bù qǐ tóngshì zhǐ huì yǐngxiǎng tuánduì hézuò.)
“In the workplace, looking down on colleagues will only harm team collaboration.”
3. Family Dynamics
有些 parents 看不起他们的孩子选择的职业。
(Yǒuxiē parents kàn bù qǐ tāmen de háizi xuǎnzé de zhíyè.)
“Some parents look down on the professions their children choose.”
4. Commentary on Society
很多人看不起那些生活不如意的人。
(Hěnduō rén kàn bù qǐ nàxiē shēnghuó bù rúyì de rén.)
“Many people look down on those whose lives are not going well.”
Conclusion
Understanding the meaning and usage of 看不起 (kàn bù qǐ) is crucial for anyone looking to gain insight into Chinese language and culture. This phrase encapsulates a significant aspect of social interaction, serving as both a reflection of personal attitudes and a commentary on broader societal values. By incorporating such expressions into your vernacular, you can communicate more effectively and empathetically within various contexts.
Whether you are a language learner, a linguist, or simply someone curious about Chinese culture, grasping the nuance of phrases like 看不起 is a step towards deeper cultural understanding. Remember, language is more than just words; it’s a bridge to understanding the human experience.

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