逆来顺受

逆來順受

nìlái-shùnshòu

idiom #28,536

Meanings

1 to resign oneself to adversity
2 to grin and bear it
3 to submit meekly to insults or ill-treatment

Characters

adverse; to go against; hostile

to comply; to follow; smooth

to receive; to accept; to endure

Examples

HSK 6

面对不公正，我们不能逆来顺受。

Miànduì bù gōngzhèng, wǒmen bùnéng nìlái-shùnshòu.

In the face of injustice, we cannot just resign ourselves to it.

HSK 7-9

她一直逆来顺受，从不反抗。

Tā yìzhí nìlái-shùnshòu, cóngbù fǎnkàng.

She always submitted meekly and never resisted.

Tips

memory

逆 (adverse/against) + 来 (come) + 顺 (yield/comply) + 受 (receive/accept): when adversity comes, accept it compliantly. Picture someone bowing their head as trouble rains down on them.

usage

Often used with a negative connotation, implying excessive passivity. Compare with 忍辱负重 (to endure humiliation while carrying a heavy burden) which has a nobler, strategic flavour.

Stroke Order

逆 nì

来 lái

顺 shùn

受 shòu