shēncángruòxū

深藏若虚

Word · IdiomTraditional深藏若虛

conceal one's talents; modest despite ability

Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma

Meanings

1 sense · 3 examples
1.

idiom

to hide one's valuables as if one had none; (fig.) to conceal one's knowledge and talents, not showing off before others

literary

Originally from the Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji). Describes someone who is modest and low-key despite possessing real ability. Often used in formal or literary contexts to praise humility.

Tā他
xué学
shí识
yuān渊
bó博
 ,
què却
shēn深
cáng藏
ruò若
xū虚
 ,
cóng从
bù不
xuàn炫
yào耀
zì自
jǐ己
de的
chéng成
jiù就
 。

He is profoundly learned, yet he hides his talents like a void, never showing off his achievements.

Zhēn真
zhèng正
yǒu有
běn本
shì事
de的
rén人
wǎng往
wǎng往
shēn深
cáng藏
ruò若
xū虚
 ,
bù不
huì会
qīng轻
yì易
xiǎn显
lù露
fēng锋
máng芒
 。

People with true ability often hide their treasures like they have none, not easily revealing their sharp edges.

Show 1 more example
Gōng公
sī司
lǐ里
de的
lǎo老
Zhāng张
shēn深
cáng藏
ruò若
xū虚
 ,
píng平
shí时
huà话
bù不
duō多
 ,
dàn但
guān关
jiàn键
shí时
kè刻
zǒng总
néng能
tí提
chū出
jīng精
pì辟
de的
jiàn见
jiě解
 。

Old Zhang in the company keeps his talents hidden like a void; he doesn't talk much normally, but always offers incisive insights at critical moments.