to speak softly and humbly; to be subservient
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesidiom
to speak in a low, soft voice; to be meek and subservient
neutralOften implies a lack of confidence or a position of weakness. It can describe someone trying to appease another, especially someone in authority.
Tā他
zài在
lǎo老
bǎn板
miàn面
qián前
zǒng总
shì是
dī低
shēng声
xià下
qì气
de的
，
bù不
gǎn敢
tí提
fǎn反
duì对
yì意
jiàn见
。
He always speaks meekly in front of his boss, not daring to voice any opposition.
Wèi为
le了
bǎo保
zhù住
gōng工
zuò作
，
tā他
bù不
dé得
bù不
dī低
shēng声
xià下
qì气
de地
xiàng向
jīng经
lǐ理
dào道
qiàn歉
。
In order to keep his job, he had no choice but to apologize to the manager in a very subservient manner.
Show 2 more examplesShow fewer examples
Tā她
kàn看
bù不
guàn惯
tā他
nà那
zhǒng种
duì对
shuí谁
dōu都
yào要
dī低
shēng声
xià下
qì气
de的
yàng样
zi子
。
She can't stand the way he acts meekly and subserviently to everyone.
Qiú求
rén人
bàn办
shì事
de的
shí时
hou候
，
tā他
zǒng总
shì是
yī一
fù副
dī低
shēng声
xià下
qì气
de的
zī姿
tài态
。
When asking for a favor, he always adopts a humble and submissive posture.