贱

• Pinyin: jiàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 贱 = 贝 (shell/money) + 戋 (small) — low value

Meaning

Cheap; lowly; despicable. Low in price, status, or moral character.

Has multiple related meanings: (1) low price (商品很贱), (2) lowly status (historically 贱民 meant lower castes), (3) despicable behavior. In modern slang, can be used self-deprecatingly or to tease friends. Can be quite offensive depending on context.

Examples

1. 这种行为太贱了，根本不值得尊重。 This kind of behavior is despicable and not worthy of respect.
2. 他总是贱嗖嗖的，喜欢占别人便宜。 He's always being annoying and likes to take advantage of others.
3. 过去这种布料很贱，现在反而成了稀罕物。 In the past this type of fabric was very cheap, but now it has become a rare item.

Usage Guide

Context: criticism, slang, everyday

Tone: negative

Do Say

• 他这人太贱了，别理他。(This guy is so despicable, don't bother with him.)
• 别那么贱，有点骨气好不好？(Don't be so pathetic, have some backbone, okay?)

Don't Say

• 在正式场合用'贱'来侮辱人 (Don't use 贱 to insult people in formal settings — it's very offensive and vulgar; in professional contexts it's completely inappropriate)

Origin & History

Originally depicted money or shells (贝) being divided (戋), indicating something of low value. Extended from low price to low status and moral character.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal