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| 称赞 [2025/08/13 20:44] – created xiaoer | 称赞 [Unknown date] (current) – removed - external edit (Unknown date) 127.0.0.1 |
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| ====== chēngzàn: 称赞 - To Praise, To Compliment, To Commend ====== | |
| ===== Quick Summary ===== | |
| * **Keywords:** chēngzàn, chengzan, 称赞, how to praise in Chinese, compliment in Chinese, Chinese word for praise, commend, acclaim, HSK 4 vocabulary, Chinese culture, Chinese etiquette. | |
| * **Summary:** Learn how to use **称赞 (chēngzàn)**, the essential Chinese verb for "to praise" or "to compliment." This comprehensive guide covers its meaning, cultural significance, and practical usage in everyday conversation, business, and social media. Discover how to give and receive compliments appropriately in Chinese culture, avoiding common mistakes and understanding related terms like [[表扬 (biǎoyáng)]] and [[夸奖 (kuājiǎng)]]. | |
| ===== Core Meaning ===== | |
| * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** chēngzàn | |
| * **Part of Speech:** Verb | |
| * **HSK Level:** HSK 4 | |
| * **Concise Definition:** To praise, compliment, or speak highly of someone's actions, abilities, or qualities. | |
| * **In a Nutshell:** `称赞` is your go-to word for giving a sincere compliment in Chinese. It's about verbally acknowledging something good you see in a person or their work. Think of it as the standard way to say "I'm impressed by what you did" or "You have a great skill." It's a positive and encouraging word that can be used in both formal and informal situations, from praising a colleague's presentation to complimenting a friend's cooking. | |
| ===== Character Breakdown ===== | |
| * **称 (chēng):** This character's original meaning relates to weighing things. From there, it evolved to mean "to state," "to call," or "to name." Here, it carries the sense of "to voice" or "to declare." | |
| * **赞 (zàn):** This character directly means "to praise," "to support," or "to approve." It's the same character used for the "Like" button (一个赞 - yí ge zàn) on Chinese social media. | |
| * When combined, **称赞 (chēngzàn)** literally means "to voice praise" or "to declare approval." The two characters reinforce each other to create a clear and strong meaning of active, verbal praise. | |
| ===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== | |
| In Chinese culture, giving and receiving praise is a delicate social interaction tied to the concepts of humility (谦虚 - qiānxū) and social harmony. | |
| **Giving Praise:** While compliments are appreciated, `称赞` is often used more deliberately than in many Western cultures. It's a tool for encouragement, showing respect, and building good `[[关系 (guānxi)|relationships]]`. A thoughtful `称赞` from a superior or elder is a significant form of validation. | |
| **Receiving Praise (Crucial for Learners!):** This is where the biggest cultural difference lies. The standard Western response, a direct "Thank you," can sometimes be perceived as arrogant or overly blunt in Chinese contexts. The culturally ingrained response is one of humility and deflection. Common humble responses include: | |
| * **哪里, 哪里 (nǎli, nǎli):** "Where, where?" This is a classic, polite way of saying "Not at all" or "You're too kind." It deflects the praise. | |
| * **你过奖了 (nǐ guòjiǎng le):** "You've over-praised me." This is a very common and polite phrase in more formal settings. | |
| * **还差得远呢 (hái chà de yuǎn ne):** "I'm still far from being good." This expresses a commitment to continuous improvement. | |
| Accepting a compliment with humility shows good manners and strengthens social bonds. It's not that the person disagrees with the praise, but that they value modesty as a virtue. | |
| ===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== | |
| `称赞` is a versatile word used across different social settings | |