可耻

• Pinyin: kě chǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 可 = 丁 + 口; 耻 = 耳 (ear) + 止 (stop)

Meaning

Shameful; disgraceful. Describes behavior or actions that deserve condemnation and bring shame.

A strong moral judgment indicating that something violates ethical standards and should be condemned. Often used in public discourse to criticize corruption, betrayal, or morally reprehensible acts. Carries a heavier tone than simply saying something is wrong.

Examples

1. 背叛朋友的信任是非常可耻的行为。 Betraying a friend's trust is extremely shameful behavior.
2. 他们为了利益出卖国家机密，实在可耻。 They sold state secrets for profit — absolutely disgraceful.
3. 欺负弱者是最可耻的事情。 Bullying the weak is the most shameful thing one can do.

Usage Guide

Context: moral judgment, criticism, public discourse

Tone: condemning

Do Say

• 这种贪污行为是可耻的。(This kind of corruption is disgraceful.)
• 抛弃自己的责任是可耻的。(Abandoning one's responsibilities is shameful.)

Don't Say

• 你的发型很可耻。(Don't use 可耻 for minor flaws — it implies serious moral failure; use 难看 or 不好看 for appearance)

Origin & History

Compound of 可 (worthy of) + 耻 (shame). Literally means 'worthy of shame' or 'deserving disgrace.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal