自命清高 self-righteous
Explanation
自命清高指的是自认为高尚，看不起别人。
Self-righteous means to consider oneself superior and look down on others.
Origin Story
村子里住着一位老秀才，他一生致力于读书，学识渊博，但为人孤僻，自命清高，常常对村里的人指指点点，评头论足，认为自己高人一等。他家隔壁住着一位年轻的木匠，手艺精湛，为人谦逊，乐于助人。有一天，老秀才家的屋顶漏雨，他请木匠来修理。木匠认真细致地完成了工作，而且分文不取。老秀才却摆出一副高傲的样子，对木匠说："你这种粗人，怎能明白我的生活？"木匠听了，只是微微一笑，默默地离开了。后来，村里发生了水灾，许多房屋被冲毁，只有老秀才的房子和木匠的房子安然无恙。原来，木匠在修补老秀才屋顶的时候，顺便加固了房子的地基。老秀才这才明白，真正的清高不是表面的傲慢，而是内心的谦虚和善良。从此以后，老秀才改掉了自命清高的毛病，变得平易近人，乐于助人了。
There once lived an old scholar in a village. He dedicated his life to studying and had vast knowledge, but he was reclusive, self-righteous, and often criticized and commented on the villagers, considering himself superior. His neighbor was a young carpenter, skilled in his craft, humble, and kind-hearted. One day, the scholar’s roof leaked, and he asked the carpenter to repair it. The carpenter diligently fixed the roof without charging a single coin. The scholar, however, acted arrogantly and said to the carpenter: "How can a crude person like you understand my life?" The carpenter only smiled faintly and left silently. Later, a flood struck the village, destroying many houses, but the scholar’s house and the carpenter’s house remained intact. It turned out that while repairing the scholar's roof, the carpenter had also strengthened the foundation of the house. The scholar finally understood that true nobility is not superficial arrogance but inner humility and kindness. From that day on, he changed his self-righteous attitude and became approachable and helpful.
Usage
用来形容一个人自以为高尚，看不起别人。
Used to describe a person who thinks they are superior and looks down on others.
Examples
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他自命清高，看不起我们这些普通人。
tā zìmìng qīnggāo, kànbuqǐ wǒmen zhèxiē pǔtōng rén。
He thinks he's too good for us ordinary people.
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不要自命清高，要谦虚谨慎。
búyào zìmìng qīnggāo, yào qiānxū jǐnshèn。
Don't be arrogant, be humble and cautious.
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他自命清高，不屑与我们交往。
tā zìmìng qīnggāo, bùxiè yǔ wǒmen jiāowǎng。
He is so proud that he refuses to associate with us