不平

• Pinyin: bù píng
• Hanzi breakdown: 不 = not; 平 = a pictograph of a balance scale, meaning level or fair

Meaning

Unfair; unjust; resentful about injustice. Also used as a noun meaning grievance or indignation.

Can describe both the objective state of unfairness and the subjective feeling of indignation. Often appears in expressions like 愤愤不平 (filled with indignation) or 打抱不平 (to stand up for someone wronged). A key concept in discussions of social justice.

Examples

1. 他心里愤愤不平，觉得自己的努力没有得到应有的认可。 He was filled with indignation, feeling his efforts hadn't received the recognition they deserved.
2. 路见不平，拔刀相助，这是武侠小说里常见的情节。 Seeing injustice and stepping in to help — that's a common plot in martial arts novels.
3. 薪酬待遇的不平等让很多年轻员工感到不平。 The inequality in compensation made many young employees feel resentful.

Usage Guide

Context: justice, emotions, social issues

Tone: indignant

Do Say

• 她为朋友的遭遇打抱不平。(She stood up for her friend's unfair treatment.)
• 这种待遇让人心里很不平。(This kind of treatment makes one feel resentful.)

Don't Say

• 这条路很不平。(For uneven roads, use 不平坦 or 坑坑洼洼 — 不平 alone typically refers to fairness)

Origin & History

不 (not) + 平 (level, fair). Literally 'not level,' metaphorically referring to unfairness or the emotional response to injustice.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal