欺负

• Pinyin: qī fu
• Hanzi breakdown: 欺 = 其 (that) + 欠 (owe, lack); 负 = 刀 (knife) + 贝 (shell) — to carry or fail, extended to mistreatment

Meaning

To bully; to pick on; to take advantage of. To treat someone badly, especially someone weaker or more vulnerable.

Commonly used for bullying among children but also applies to adults taking advantage of others due to power imbalances. Can describe physical bullying, verbal harassment, or unfair treatment. Often appears in anti-bullying campaigns and discussions about workplace dynamics.

Examples

1. 学校严禁学生之间相互欺负。 The school strictly prohibits bullying among students.
2. 你别以为我好欺负，我也是有脾气的。 Don't think I'm easy to push around — I have my limits too.
3. 他从小被欺负，长大后变得很自卑。 He was bullied as a child and became very insecure as an adult.

Usage Guide

Context: school, workplace, relationships

Tone: concerned

Do Say

• 别欺负小朋友。(Don't bully little kids.)
• 有人欺负你要告诉老师。(If someone bullies you, tell the teacher.)

Don't Say

• 不要把'欺负'用于开玩笑的语境 (Don't use 欺负 for playful teasing — it implies genuine harm or unfairness)

Origin & History

Compound of 欺 (to deceive, to bully) and 负 (to bear, to fail). Together they emphasize treating someone unfairly or taking advantage of weakness.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal