zi6 bei1自卑
Jyutpingzi6 bei1
Yalejih bēi
Definition
Feeling inferior, self-abased, or underestimating one's own abilities.
colloquialemotion
How it's used
Focuses on the internal psychological state of comparing oneself negatively to others. It often appears in contexts where someone is encouraged to build confidence or overcome a sense of inadequacy. Unlike some personality descriptors, it is frequently used to describe a temporary state of mind rather than a permanent character trait.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 謙虛, which is a positive trait meaning humble or modest. Using 自卑 to describe someone who is being modest will sound like you are insulting them by calling them insecure.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
