neither haughty nor humble; poised; maintain one's dignity
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesidiom
neither servile nor overbearing; maintaining a poised and dignified attitude
formalThis idiom is synonymous with "不卑不亢" (bù bēi bù kàng). It describes a balanced and respectful demeanor, especially in dealing with people of higher or lower status. It carries a commendatory connotation.
Tā他
zài在
yǔ与
lǐng领
dǎo导
jiāo交
tán谈
shí时
bù不
kàng亢
bù不
bēi卑
，
yíng赢
dé得
le了
dà大
jiā家
de的
zūn尊
zhòng重
。
He spoke to his superiors with neither arrogance nor servility, earning everyone's respect.
Miàn面
duì对
jì记
zhě者
de的
jiān尖
ruì锐
tí提
wèn问
，
zhè这
wèi位
wài外
jiāo交
guān官
de的
huí回
dá答
bù不
kàng亢
bù不
bēi卑
。
In response to the reporter's pointed questions, the diplomat answered with poise and dignity.
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Tā她
zài在
tán谈
pàn判
zhōng中
shǐ始
zhōng终
bǎo保
chí持
zhe着
bù不
kàng亢
bù不
bēi卑
de的
tài态
dù度
。
She maintained a poised and dignified attitude throughout the negotiation.
Tā他
de的
wéi为
rén人
chǔ处
shì事
bù不
kàng亢
bù不
bēi卑
，
ràng让
rén人
gǎn感
dào到
shū舒
fu服
。
His way of dealing with people, neither haughty nor humble, makes others feel comfortable.