不屑

• Pinyin: bù xiè
• Hanzi breakdown: 不 = not; 屑 = 尸 (body) + 肖 (small), meaning fragments or worth

Meaning

To disdain; to scorn; to consider beneath oneself.

Expresses an attitude of contempt or considering something unworthy of attention. Can describe facial expressions (不屑的表情) or attitudes. Often appears with 一顾 (to give a glance) in the phrase 不屑一顾.

Examples

1. 他对这种小把戏不屑一顾，根本懒得理会。 He didn't even deign to glance at these petty tricks — couldn't be bothered.
2. 她脸上露出不屑的神情，转身就走了。 A disdainful expression crossed her face, and she turned and left.
3. 这种低级的挑衅，我不屑回应。 Such low-level provocation — I won't dignify it with a response.

Usage Guide

Context: attitude, contempt, narrative

Tone: contemptuous

Do Say

• 他不屑于为这种事争辩。(He disdains to argue about such matters.)
• 她不屑地哼了一声。(She gave a contemptuous snort.)

Don't Say

• 我不屑这道菜的味道。(Don't use 不屑 for disliking flavors — it's about contempt for behavior or matters)

Origin & History

不 (not) + 屑 (bits, worth). Not considering something worth one's attention.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal