<p>I can give you a real life scenario that illustrates this.
Some ten (?) years ago, the government of a certain place tried to pass a law that might infringe on citizens' right. When a high level government official was asked whether more discussions and consultation with the general public was necessary, she said something like this: (sorry I don't remember the exact wording, but it was to the effect) "Do you think taxi-drivers and cleaning ladies will have any interest or contribution to this?" Now if that is not condescension, I don't know what is. Needless to say, there was a huge outrage.  </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-06T23:20:11.637Z
Right! Right! Exactly!
Yes
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-10T11:55:02.833Z
It is more fallacious than condescending, because some taxi-drivers and cleaning ladies are very knowledgeable. Would Balzac and Dickens ever have been able to write that kind work if they had never travelled in those circles?
George Chen
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-10T12:00:54.263Z
As far as I know, some Beijing's taxi-drivers talk like they have seats in the central politburo.
George Chen
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-10T12:32:24.840Z
And some cleaning ladies know every detail of their employer's board books.
George Chen
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-11T03:33:50.433Z
If she knew what you know, that taxi-drivers and cleaning ladies can be very knowledgeable and capable of carrying on an intelligent discussion on many political issues, she would not have made that condescending comment. Shall we say, her condescension was born out of her ignorance.
monalisa
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-18T16:45:44.137Z
Sorry @monalisa, I didn't see your comment. Yes, definitely ignorant. True story: Just a few years ago, a cleaning lady in Seattle ratted out a CEO, resulting massive lay-offs in the middle of a recession. The guy who created many jobs for others landed himself in prison, for some picayune faults on his board book.
George Chen
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-18T16:49:49.790Z
Truth be told, Seattle streets are packed with government agents. You don't know which of your co-worker has a part time job in FBI.
George Chen
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-18T17:16:17.443Z
Seattle is not a business friendly place. There are blackguards whose whole career is to enslave you. Stay in China, that is where you rake in cash.
George Chen
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-06T18:00:47.267Z
2014-09-06T18:00:47.267Z
monalisa
<p>Here is a possible scenario. </p>

<p>A student who is enrolled in an intermediate level calculus course is having some difficulty understanding her most recent lesson. The student asks an older student acquaintance for help, because this other student has taken three calculus courses and is enrolled in an advanced math degree. The second student does help the first student, and explains the lesson clearly. However, he does so in an unpleasant way, reviewing some introductory concepts from algebra such as "what is a variable?" and treating the first student as if she is an intellectual insect. When he is done, he smirks in a self satisfied manner. The first student feels humiliated, because she is not stupid, on the contrary she is an intelligent person; but she has been treated as if she were stupid. She vows that if she needs more math help, she will find a different tutor, because the boy who just helped her was so condescending.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-06T18:47:48.613Z
2014-09-06T18:47:48.613Z
Serious about Food
<p>I seriously doubt whether the Chinese have developed this level of sensibility yet. </p>

<p>The translation 居高临下 actually means arrogant, overbearing, literally means "like from high to low." At the core of it is rudeness.</p>

<p>But, if I'm not mistaken, condescending is not rude at all. It has more to do with the beholder's perception. If the beholder lacks self-esteem, he or she may view the other as condescending.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-06T08:16:34.237Z
Thank you. The point you made is interesting. My opinion is, in general, that from time to time we consider someone *s* condescending when *s* really says something that a normal person *n* will never say unless *n* thinks *n* is more superior than the beholders of *n*. In SE's, for instance, we can easily come across many condescending comments or even answers that usually take a form such as explaining the ABC concepts of your question.
Yes
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-06T08:20:03.403Z
Maybe I haven't grasped condescending yet. To me, it means over polite, which is
 the opposite of the Chinese translation.
George Chen
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-06T08:25:45.903Z
Here's Chinese proverb 礼多人不怪 which says "no one is going blame you for being too polite."
George Chen
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-06T08:28:16.070Z
Thank you for your interest:)  I too am not sure about the meaning. I guess "condescending" connotes "avuncular". And being avuncular is treating people as a baby (I am exaggerating). Rare people would like to be treated as a baby.
Yes
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-06T08:07:18.090Z
2014-09-06T08:07:18.090Z
George Chen
<p>If I want to explain the word "condescending" in Chinese using a scenario, what can I do?</p>

<p>Thank you so much for your attention!</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-06T08:48:56.203Z
You can use **屈尊俯就**
Mou某
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-06T09:03:01.903Z
@user3306356: Thank you. I want some scenario to illustrate this word :)
Yes
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-06T10:18:55.183Z
Hard to find a scenario. The paradox is, it is the universities that are crowded with neurotics; construction workers, peasants and other labourers are generally cheerful and are not so easily offended at all.
George Chen
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-06T10:27:45.660Z
@GeorgeChen: Thanks. Right, indeed. I can imagine.
Yes
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-06T10:38:33.720Z
@GeorgeChen: I said I can imagine because I am a native speaker in Chinese :)
Yes
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-06T11:05:28.420Z
I guess we are just a newly emerged agrarian society that haven't encountered that many delicate social scenarios yet. Try to translate Balzac into Chinese word for word, you will know what I mean.
George Chen
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-06T13:30:55.337Z
Maybe an adult using 'childish' words with someone: 看书书、吃饭饭, etc.?
Mou某
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-06T13:43:06.980Z
@user3306356: Ah ha, I think so. But such usage may be cute for a couple. I think about one example: Imagine you discuss with some friend of yours about traveling abroad. But the friend worries about how your English is good enough to live there or even says that you are not eligible for traveling abroad because your English is poorer than him or her. Then the friend is exactly being condescending.
Yes
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-06T15:07:22.590Z
Would you mind explaining the word "condescending" in simple English?
Henry HO
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-06T15:15:03.697Z
OK. I think this book is condescending and I am mighty offended. But if haven't read it, don't bother. http://www.amazon.com/Guns-Germs-Steel-Fates-Societies/dp/0393317552
George Chen
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-06T15:33:10.630Z
What the op is looking for is called ostensive definition, as oppose to dictionary definition.--am I condescending ?
George Chen
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-06T15:57:34.273Z
If you already have a scenario in mind, why do you still need more?
Mou某
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-06T16:49:31.987Z
She wasn't sure. I think that offense is learned. If no one tells you that was offensive then you will never be offended.
George Chen
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-06T20:36:42.440Z
From the question and comments, I am not clear which part of this ask is related to Chinese? Especially considering the upvoted answers are completely in English.
NS.X.
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-06T20:39:46.237Z
@GeorgeChen I don't think condescending equals offending, or even closely related. Condescension is one of the reasons people may get offended, but on the other hand it is possible one person is condescending against another person but the other person doesn't feel offended at all.
NS.X.
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-06T23:23:33.957Z
@GeorgeChen: Thank you for your interest! Indeed from time to time I feel uncomfortable with certain kind of expression but I cannot describe such feeling. Recently I just came across the word "condescending", and after browsing related information I realized that yes, the kind of expression that I feel repulsive is precisely condescending expression!
Yes
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-07T01:53:50.060Z
This question appears to be off-topic because it is not about the Chinese language
Mou某
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-08T18:15:27.410Z
@Comeseeconquer- it feels good to find the right word to scratch where it itches.
George Chen
<word>
Explaining "condescending" in Chinese?
# Explaining "condescending" in Chinese?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2014-09-06)

If I want to explain the word "condescending" in Chinese using a scenario, what can I do?

Thank you so much for your attention!

**Tags:** word

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: You can use **屈尊俯就**  
> **username_0**: @user3306356: Thank you. I want some scenario to illustrate this word :)  
> **username_2**: Hard to find a scenario. The paradox is, it is the universities that are crowded with neurotics; construction workers, peasants and other labourers are generally cheerful and are not so easily offended at all.  
> **username_0**: @GeorgeChen: Thanks. Right, indeed. I can imagine.  
> **username_0**: @GeorgeChen: I said I can imagine because I am a native speaker in Chinese :)  
> **username_2**: I guess we are just a newly emerged agrarian society that haven't encountered that many delicate social scenarios yet. Try to translate Balzac into Chinese word for word, you will know what I mean.  
> **username_1**: Maybe an adult using 'childish' words with someone: 看书书、吃饭饭, etc.?  
> **username_0**: @user3306356: Ah ha, I think so. But such usage may be cute for a couple. I think about one example: Imagine you discuss with some friend of yours about traveling abroad. But the friend worries about how your English is good enough to live there or even says that you are not eligible for traveling abroad because your English is poorer than him or her. Then the friend is exactly being condescending.  
> **username_3**: Would you mind explaining the word "condescending" in simple English?  
> **username_2**: OK. I think this book is condescending and I am mighty offended. But if haven't read it, don't bother. http://www.amazon.com/Guns-Germs-Steel-Fates-Societies/dp/0393317552  
> **username_2**: What the op is looking for is called ostensive definition, as oppose to dictionary definition.--am I condescending ?  
> **username_1**: If you already have a scenario in mind, why do you still need more?  
> **username_2**: She wasn't sure. I think that offense is learned. If no one tells you that was offensive then you will never be offended.  
> **username_4**: From the question and comments, I am not clear which part of this ask is related to Chinese? Especially considering the upvoted answers are completely in English.  
> **username_4**: @GeorgeChen I don't think condescending equals offending, or even closely related. Condescension is one of the reasons people may get offended, but on the other hand it is possible one person is condescending against another person but the other person doesn't feel offended at all.  
> **username_0**: @GeorgeChen: Thank you for your interest! Indeed from time to time I feel uncomfortable with certain kind of expression but I cannot describe such feeling. Recently I just came across the word "condescending", and after browsing related information I realized that yes, the kind of expression that I feel repulsive is precisely condescending expression!  
> **username_1**: This question appears to be off-topic because it is not about the Chinese language  
> **username_2**: @Comeseeconquer- it feels good to find the right word to scratch where it itches.  

---

## 3 answers

### Answer by username_5 on 2014-09-06. Score: 3 | Accepted answer

I can give you a real life scenario that illustrates this.
Some ten (?) years ago, the government of a certain place tried to pass a law that might infringe on citizens' right. When a high level government official was asked whether more discussions and consultation with the general public was necessary, she said something like this: (sorry I don't remember the exact wording, but it was to the effect) "Do you think taxi-drivers and cleaning ladies will have any interest or contribution to this?" Now if that is not condescension, I don't know what is. Needless to say, there was a huge outrage.

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: Right! Right! Exactly!  
> **username_2**: It is more fallacious than condescending, because some taxi-drivers and cleaning ladies are very knowledgeable. Would Balzac and Dickens ever have been able to write that kind work if they had never travelled in those circles?  
> **username_2**: As far as I know, some Beijing's taxi-drivers talk like they have seats in the central politburo.  
> **username_2**: And some cleaning ladies know every detail of their employer's board books.  
> **username_5**: If she knew what you know, that taxi-drivers and cleaning ladies can be very knowledgeable and capable of carrying on an intelligent discussion on many political issues, she would not have made that condescending comment. Shall we say, her condescension was born out of her ignorance.  
> **username_2**: Sorry @username_5, I didn't see your comment. username_0, definitely ignorant. True story: Just a few years ago, a cleaning lady in Seattle ratted out a CEO, resulting massive lay-offs in the middle of a recession. The guy who created many jobs for others landed himself in prison, for some picayune faults on his board book.  
> **username_2**: Truth be told, Seattle streets are packed with government agents. You don't know which of your co-worker has a part time job in FBI.  
> **username_2**: Seattle is not a business friendly place. There are blackguards whose whole career is to enslave you. Stay in China, that is where you rake in cash.  

---

### Answer by username_6 on 2014-09-06. Score: 2

Here is a possible scenario.

A student who is enrolled in an intermediate level calculus course is having some difficulty understanding her most recent lesson. The student asks an older student acquaintance for help, because this other student has taken three calculus courses and is enrolled in an advanced math degree. The second student does help the first student, and explains the lesson clearly. However, he does so in an unpleasant way, reviewing some introductory concepts from algebra such as "what is a variable?" and treating the first student as if she is an intellectual insect. When he is done, he smirks in a self satisfied manner. The first student feels humiliated, because she is not stupid, on the contrary she is an intelligent person; but she has been treated as if she were stupid. She vows that if she needs more math help, she will find a different tutor, because the boy who just helped her was so condescending.


---

### Answer by username_2 on 2014-09-06. Score: 1

I seriously doubt whether the Chinese have developed this level of sensibility yet.

The translation 居高临下 actually means arrogant, overbearing, literally means "like from high to low." At the core of it is rudeness.

But, if I'm not mistaken, condescending is not rude at all. It has more to do with the beholder's perception. If the beholder lacks self-esteem, he or she may view the other as condescending.

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: Thank you. The point you made is interesting. My opinion is, in general, that from time to time we consider someone *s* condescending when *s* really says something that a normal person *n* will never say unless *n* thinks *n* is more superior than the beholders of *n*. In SE's, for instance, we can easily come across many condescending comments or even answers that usually take a form such as explaining the ABC concepts of your question.  
> **username_2**: Maybe I haven't grasped condescending yet. To me, it means over polite, which is  the opposite of the Chinese translation.  
> **username_2**: Here's Chinese proverb 礼多人不怪 which says "no one is going blame you for being too polite."  
> **username_0**: Thank you for your interest:)  I too am not sure about the meaning. I guess "condescending" connotes "avuncular". And being avuncular is treating people as a baby (I am exaggerating). Rare people would like to be treated as a baby.  

---

