hide one's inadequacies; conceal one's ignorance
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesverb
to hide one's inadequacies; to conceal one's ignorance or lack of skill to avoid embarrassment
neutralA self-deprecating phrase where a person modestly hides their perceived shortcomings to avoid losing face. Often implies the person may actually be competent but is being cautious or humble.
Wǒ我
duì对
shū书
fǎ法
bù不
jīng精
tōng通
，
hái还
shì是
cáng藏
zhuō拙
wéi为
hǎo好
，
bù不
zài在
dà大
jiā家
miàn面
qián前
xiàn献
chǒu丑
le了
。
I'm not proficient in calligraphy, so it's better for me to hide my inadequacies and not make a fool of myself in front of everyone.
Yǔ与
qí其
bù不
dǒng懂
zhuāng装
dǒng懂
，
bù不
rú如
cáng藏
zhuō拙
，
zhǎo找
gè个
dǒng懂
háng行
de的
rén人
qǐng请
jiào教
。
Rather than pretending to understand, it's better to conceal one's ignorance and ask someone who knows the ropes.
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Tā他
zài在
jù聚
huì会
shàng上
hěn很
shǎo少
fā发
yán言
，
zǒng总
shì是
yī一
fù副
cáng藏
zhuō拙
de的
yàng样
zi子
。
He seldom speaks at gatherings, always appearing to hide his inadequacies.