不耻下问

不恥下問

bùchǐ-xiàwèn

idiom HSK 7-9

Meanings

1 not ashamed to ask those below oneself
2 willing to learn from anyone, regardless of status

Characters

below; lower (in status)

Literally 'not ashamed to ask those below' — willing to seek knowledge from people of lower rank or age.

Examples

好的领导者不耻下问。

Hǎode lǐngdǎozhě bùchǐxiàwèn.

Good leaders are not ashamed to ask those below them.

学习就要不耻下问。

Xuéxí jiùyào bùchǐxiàwèn.

When learning, you should be willing to ask anyone.

他虽然是教授，但总是不耻下问。

Tā suīrán shì jiàoshòu, dàn zǒngshì bùchǐxiàwèn.

Although he's a professor, he's always willing to learn from others.

Tips

history

This idiom comes from the Analerta of Confucius (论语). When asked why a minister received the posthumous title '文' (cultured), Confucius replied: 敏而好学，不耻下问 — 'he was quick to learn and not ashamed to ask those below him.' In hierarchical ancient China, asking a subordinate for knowledge required genuine humility.

Stroke Order

不 bù

耻 chǐ

下 xià

问 wèn