# 格格不入

gé gé bù rù

Be incompatible with the surrounding setting

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Conflict and fail to fit together

**Register:** Descriptive · general

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

## When to use it

Describe a mismatch in style, values, or context.

Different does not automatically mean wrong.

## Understanding the expression

The expression suggests parts that resist fitting into one another. Modern use describes a person, idea, object, or style that feels out of place in a particular environment. The mismatch may come from values, habits, appearance, or practical needs. It can express criticism or the discomfort of not belonging. Context matters because the setting itself may need change; being different is not proof that the outsider has a fault.

## Examples

这件家具与房间格格不入。

### Traditional Chinese

這件傢俱與房間格格不入。

zhè jiàn jiā jù yǔ fáng jiān gé gé bù rù 。

This furniture does not fit the room.

她觉得自己与团队格格不入。

### Traditional Chinese

她覺得自己與團隊格格不入。

tā jué de zì jǐ yǔ tuán duì gé gé bù rù 。

She feels out of place in the team.

旧流程与新需求格格不入。

### Traditional Chinese

舊流程與新需求格格不入。

jiù liú chéng yǔ xīn xū qiú gé gé bù rù 。

The old process is incompatible with the new needs.

他的价值观与这里格格不入。

### Traditional Chinese

他的價值觀與這裡格格不入。

tā de jià zhí guān yǔ zhè lǐ gé gé bù rù 。

His values conflict with those of this place.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E6%A0%BC%E6%A0%BC%E4%B8%8D%E5%85%A5)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=219&webMd=1&la=0)

## Keep exploring

- [歌功颂德 gē gōng sòng dé Lavishly praise someone’s achievements and virtue ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/ge-gong-song-de)

- [各抒己见 gè shū jǐ jiàn Let everyone express their view ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/ge-shu-ji-jian)

- [各自为政 gè zì wéi zhèng Operate independently without coordination ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/ge-zi-wei-zheng)

- [孤芳自赏 gū fāng zì shǎng Admire one's own excellence in isolation ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/gu-fang-zi-shang)

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