Meaning and Usage
The adjective 卑微 (bēiwēi) describes a humble, lowly, or inferior status or attitude. It often conveys a sense of modesty or low social standing, sometimes with a nuance of self-deprecation or meekness.
Common Contexts
It is frequently used to describe someone's social background, attitude in interpersonal relationships, or behavior when showing humility or submission.
Collocations and Patterns
- 卑微的态度: humble attitude, often used to show respect or modesty.
- 出身卑微: humble origin/background, referring to low social status.
- 表现得卑微: to behave humbly or meekly, often in challenging situations.
Usage Notes
While 卑微 emphasizes lowliness or humility, it can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation if it implies excessive self-abasement or lack of self-respect. It differs from 谦虚 (qiānxū), which is a more positive term for modesty without implying low status.
Avoid confusing 卑微 with 卑鄙 (bēibǐ), which means despicable or mean-spirited.
Summary
Use 卑微 when you want to express humility or low social standing, especially when highlighting modesty or meekness in attitude or background.