却之不恭 Que Zhi Bu Gong refusal is impolite

Explanation

却之不恭指的是,面对别人的好意,一再推辞,反而显得不尊重对方。这体现了中国传统文化中礼尚往来的精神,以及对人情世故的重视。

'Què zhī bù gōng' means that repeatedly refusing the kindness of others can be impolite. This reflects the spirit of reciprocity and the importance of social etiquette in traditional Chinese culture.

Origin Story

战国时期,孟子的一位学生万章向孟子请教为人处世的道理。万章问到,如果别人送礼或邀请,一再推辞是不是不恭敬?孟子解释道,如果对方身份尊贵,一再推辞,反而显得失礼,因为这表明你不重视对方,是一种不敬的表现。但是,如果对方地位低微,或者礼物轻微,那么一再推辞也是可以的,这体现了中国传统文化中“礼尚往来”的精神。

zhan guo shiqi, meng zi de yi wei xuesheng wan zhang xiang meng zi qing jiao wei ren chu shi de daoli. wan zhang wen dao, ruguo bieren song li huo yaoqing, yi zai tuici shibushi bu gongjing? meng zi jieshi dao, ruguo duifang shenfen zun gui, yi zai tuici, fan er xian de shili, yinwei zhe biaoming ni bu zhongshi duifang, shi yizhong bu jing de biaoxian. danshi, ruguo duifang diwei di wei, huozhe liwu qing wei, name yi zai tuici ye shi keyi de, zhe ti xian le zhongguo chuantong wenhua zhong "li shang wang lai" de jingshen.

During the Warring States period, Wan Zhang, a student of Mencius, asked Mencius about the principles of dealing with people. Wan Zhang asked whether it was impolite to repeatedly refuse gifts or invitations. Mencius explained that repeatedly refusing would be impolite if the person giving the gifts or invitation was of high status, because it showed a lack of respect. However, it would be fine to repeatedly refuse gifts or invitations if the person was of lower status or the gifts or invitations were insignificant.

Usage

主要用于表达对别人好意的婉拒,体现了委婉和尊重的态度。

zhu yao yong yu biao da dui bieren hao yi de wan ju, ti xian le wei wan he zun zhong de taidu.

Mainly used to politely refuse the kindness of others, showing a polite and respectful attitude.

Examples

  • 这礼物太贵重了,我却之不恭。

    zhe liwu tai guizhong le, wo que zhi bu gong.

    This gift is too precious; I cannot refuse it.

  • 盛情难却,恭敬不如从命。

    sheng qing nan que, gong jing bu ru cong ming

    I can't refuse such kindness; it's better to accept than to be polite in refusing it