xiànchǒu: 献丑 - To Show One's Incompetence (Humbly)

Keywords: xianchou, 献丑, xianchou meaning, what does xianchou mean, Chinese humility, polite phrase, Chinese karaoke phrase, showing poor skills in Chinese, 献丑了, pardon my poor skills

Summary: Discover the meaning of 献丑 (xiànchǒu), a common and essential Chinese phrase of humility. Literally “to present ugliness,” `献丑` is a polite expression used before you sing, perform, or showcase a skill. It's the equivalent of saying, “Pardon my poor skills,” or “I'm not very good, but I'll give it a try.” This entry explores its cultural significance, modern usage in situations like karaoke (KTV), and how to use it effectively to show modesty and respect in Chinese culture.

Pinyin (with tone marks): xiàn chǒu

Part of Speech: Verb Phrase / Idiomatic Expression

HSK Level: N/A

Concise Definition: To humbly present one'