不值

• Pinyin: bù zhí
• Hanzi breakdown: 不 = negation; 值 = 亻(person) + 直, to be worth/value

Meaning

Not worth it; not worthwhile. Indicates something lacks sufficient value or merit.

Used to express that something isn't worth the cost, effort, or attention. Can refer to monetary value (不值那么多钱), effort (不值得花时间), or emotional investment (不值得难过). Often paired with 得 to form 不值得.

Examples

1. 这件衣服质量太差了，根本不值这个价。 This clothing is such poor quality — it's absolutely not worth the price.
2. 为这种小事生气不值，别跟自己过不去。 Getting angry over such a small thing isn't worth it — don't be so hard on yourself.
3. 他觉得这份工作不值得他放弃那么多。 He feels this job isn't worth giving up so much for.

Usage Guide

Context: evaluation, advice, shopping

Tone: advisory

Do Say

• 这东西不值钱，你别买。(This thing isn't worth the money — don't buy it.)
• 为他伤心不值。(It's not worth being sad over him.)

Don't Say

• 注意'不值'和'不值得'的细微差别 (不值 is slightly more colloquial and direct, while 不值得 is more complete and formal)

Origin & History

Compound of 不 (not) + 值 (to be worth). Direct negation of worthiness or value.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal