谦逊

• Pinyin: qiān xùn
• Hanzi breakdown: 谦 = 讠(speech radical) + 兼 (combine/hold together) (modest/humble in speech); 逊 = 辶 (movement) + 孙 (grandchild/junior) (yield/defer)

Meaning

Modest; humble; unassuming. Describing someone who does not overstate their own abilities or achievements and who is open to others' views.

A highly valued personal virtue in Chinese culture. Distinct from 谦虚 (which can sometimes appear performative or formulaic); 谦逊 implies a deeper, more genuine modesty in character. Frequently used in formal praise, references, and educational contexts. Antonym: 自大/傲慢.

Examples

1. 这位院士尽管学术成就卓著，却始终保持谦逊的处世态度，从不以权威自居，令后辈深为敬仰。 Despite his outstanding academic achievements, the distinguished scholar has always remained humble—never acting like an authority—and is deeply admired by younger generations.
2. 她在接受荣誉时言辞谦逊，一再将功劳归于团队的集体努力，展现了出色的人格魅力与领导风范。 When accepting the honor, she spoke modestly and repeatedly credited the team’s collective effort, showing remarkable character and leadership.
3. 谦逊并非软弱，而是一种建立在充分自信基础之上的成熟心态，能够包容不同意见与批评声音。 Humility isn’t weakness; it’s a mature mindset built on real confidence—one that can accommodate different views and criticism.

Usage Guide

Context: personal character, praise, academic, leadership

Tone: approving

Do Say

• 一位真正谦逊的学者不会因为资历深厚而拒绝倾听新思想，反而会主动从年轻一代的研究中汲取灵感。(A truly humble scholar will not refuse to listen to new ideas because of seniority, but will instead actively draw inspiration from the research of the younger generation.)
• 他在面试中表现出的谦逊态度给考官留下了深刻印象，让人相信他能够以开放的心态融入新的团队环境。(The modest attitude he showed during the interview left a deep impression on the panel, convincing them that he could integrate into a new team environment with an open mind.)

Don't Say

• 他谦逊地拒绝了邀请 — 谦逊 describes a character trait, not the manner of performing a specific action; use 婉言谢绝/客气地拒绝 for politely declining

Origin & History

谦 (humble/modest; 讠speech + 兼 combine — speaking without boasting) + 逊 (yielding/inferior; 辶 movement + 孙 grandchild — to yield) — genuine modesty and willingness to yield

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal