lack talent; humble self-reference
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesverb
to lack talent or ability (used self-deprecatingly)
archaicA classical Chinese expression used in formal writing or speech to humbly indicate one's own lack of ability. Often appears in academic or official contexts.
Xué学
shēng生
bù不
nìng佞
，
duì对
cǐ此
wèn问
tí题
lüè略
yǒu有
yán研
jiū究
。
Your humble student has conducted some research on this issue.
Bù不
nìng佞
suī虽
wú无
dà大
cái才
，
dàn但
yuàn愿
jìn尽
lì力
ér而
wéi为
。
Though I lack great talent, I am willing to do my best.
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Bǐ鄙
rén人
bù不
nìng佞
，
bù不
gǎn敢
wàng妄
yì议
guó国
shì是
。
This unworthy person dares not recklessly discuss national affairs.
pronoun
I; me (humble self-reference)
archaicUsed as a polite and humble way to refer to oneself in formal, classical, or diplomatic contexts. Functions as a first-person pronoun.
Bù不
nìng佞
bù不
gǎn敢
wàng妄
yì议
cǐ此
shì事
。
I dare not recklessly discuss this matter.
Rú如
méng蒙
bù不
qì弃
，
bù不
nìng佞
yuàn愿
xiào效
quǎn犬
mǎ马
zhī之
láo劳
。
If you do not disdain me, I am willing to serve you devotedly.
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Bù不
nìng佞
jīn今
rì日
yǒu有
xìng幸
dé得
jiàn见
xiān先
sheng生
。
I am fortunate to meet you today.