Meaning and Usage
"谦逊" (qiān xùn) means being humble or modest, often describing a person's attitude of not boasting or showing off. It is a positive trait valued in social and professional contexts.
Common Contexts
People use "谦逊" to describe behavior where someone downplays their own achievements or listens respectfully to others. It often appears in formal or polite speech.
Collocations and Patterns
- 谦逊的人 (a humble person): describes someone with a modest character.
- 表现谦逊 (show humility): used when someone demonstrates modesty in actions or speech.
- 谦逊地 + verb (humbly + verb): adverbial use to describe how an action is performed.
Usage Tips
"谦逊" is more formal and literary than simply saying "谦虚". While both mean humble, "谦逊" often implies a respectful modesty, especially in social interactions. Avoid confusing it with arrogance or false modesty; true "谦逊" is sincere and appreciated.
Common Confusion
"谦逊" vs "谦虚": Both mean humble, but "谦虚" is more common in everyday speech and can also mean modest about one's abilities, while "谦逊" emphasizes respectful humility and is slightly more formal.