# 不卑不亢

bù bēi bù kàng

Be respectful without being submissive

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Neither servile nor overbearing

**Register:** Positive · formal

[People & connection](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/relationships)

## When to use it

Use to praise calm dignity in dealing with others.

Both extremes matter: avoid arrogance as well as excessive submission.

## Behind the words

The paired negatives balance two extremes of manner. Traditional usage values dignity that neither submits too much nor dominates.

卑 suggests lowering oneself excessively, while 亢 suggests an overbearing or arrogant stance. The paired negatives describe balanced dignity. The idiom is useful when a difference in status could tempt someone toward either servility or hostility. It praises clear, respectful confidence rather than emotional coldness or unwillingness to compromise.

## Examples

面对批评，她不卑不亢地解释了自己的决定。

### Traditional Chinese

面對批評，她不卑不亢地解釋了自己的決定。

miàn duì pī píng ， tā bù bēi bù kàng dì jiě shì le zì jǐ de jué dìng 。

Facing criticism, she explained her decision with calm dignity.

面对严格的面试官，她回答得不卑不亢。

### Traditional Chinese

面對嚴格的面試官，她回答得不卑不亢。

miàn duì yán gé de miàn shì guān ， tā huí dá dé bù bēi bù kàng 。

She answered the demanding interviewer respectfully and confidently.

他不卑不亢地指出了合同中的问题。

### Traditional Chinese

他不卑不亢地指出了合同中的問題。

tā bù bēi bù kàng dì zhǐ chū le hé tong zhōng de wèn tí 。

He pointed out the contract's problems with dignity and without aggression.

接待贵宾时，工作人员保持不卑不亢的态度。

### Traditional Chinese

接待貴賓時，工作人員保持不卑不亢的態度。

jiē dài guì bīn shí ， gōng zuò rén yuán bǎo chí bù bēi bù kàng de tài dù 。

The staff treated the distinguished visitors with respectful composure.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 4, 2026.

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=7788&q=1&webMd=1&la=0)

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E4%B8%8D%E5%8D%91%E4%B8%8D%E4%BA%A2)

## Keep exploring

- [不可一世 bù kě yī shì Be insufferably arrogant ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/bu-ke-yi-shi)

- [不谋而合 bù móu ér hé Reach the same view without prior consultation ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/bu-mou-er-he)

- [不速之客 bù sù zhī kè An uninvited or unexpected visitor ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/bu-su-zhi-ke)

- [不约而同 bù yuē ér tóng Do the same thing without arranging it ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/bu-yue-er-tong)

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