guojiangle: 过奖了 - You Flatter Me, You're Too Kind

• Keywords: guojiangle, 过奖了, how to respond to a compliment in Chinese, you flatter me in Chinese, you're too kind, Chinese modesty, polite Chinese phrases, Chinese etiquette, deflect praise Chinese, 不敢当, 哪里哪里
• Summary: 过奖了 (guòjiǎng le) is a fundamental Chinese phrase for politely responding to a compliment. Instead of a direct “Thank you,” which can sometimes sound arrogant in Chinese culture, saying “过奖了” shows humility and grace. It literally means “you have over-praised me,” and is the perfect way to say “you flatter me” or “you're too kind.” Learning how to use this phrase is a key step in mastering Chinese etiquette and understanding the cultural importance of modesty.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): guòjiǎng le
• Part of Speech: Set phrase / Interjection
• HSK Level: N/A (Essential for social interaction around HSK 3 and above)
• Concise Definition: A polite expression used to deflect a compliment, meaning “you have praised me too much.”
• In a Nutshell: This is the classic, humble response when someone compliments your skills, work, or character in Chinese. Saying “过奖了” is a social lubricant that acknowledges the compliment while gently deflecting it, showing that you are modest and well-mannered. It conveys a feeling of, “I appreciate your kind words, but I don't feel I'm quite worthy of such high praise.”

• 过 (guò): This character's basic meaning is “to pass” or “to cross.” However, when used before an adjective or verb, it takes on the meaning of “excessively” or “too much.”
• 奖 (jiǎng): This character means “to praise,” “to commend,” or “an award/prize.”
• 了 (le): A very common grammatical particle. Here, it indicates a completed action or a change of state, similar to adding “-ed” in English. It completes the thought, turning “over-praise” into “[you have] over-praised.”

When combined, 过 (excessively) + 奖 (praise) + 了 (completed) literally means “praise has been excessive” or “[you have] praised too much.”

• The Virtue of Humility (谦虚 - qiānxū): The use of “过奖了” is deeply rooted in the traditional Chinese value of humility. In Confucian-influenced cultures, being modest and not boasting about one's abilities is considered a great virtue. Directly accepting a compliment with a simple “Thank you” can, in some contexts, be perceived as arrogant or lacking in grace, as if you are fully agreeing with the high praise.
• Comparison to Western Culture: In most Western cultures, particularly in the United States, responding to a compliment with “Thank you” is considered confident and polite. It shows you accept the speaker's kind words graciously. In contrast, deflecting the compliment with “过奖了” is the Chinese equivalent of graciousness. It's not about being insecure or having low self-esteem; it's a scripted, respectful social dance that maintains harmony (和谐 - héxié) by not elevating oneself above others. Saying “过奖了” is less about what you actually believe about your abilities and more about showing respect to the person giving the compliment.

“过奖了” is a versatile phrase suitable for a wide range of semi-formal and formal situations.

• In the Workplace: This is extremely common. When a superior, client, or colleague praises your work, “过奖了” is the perfect response. It shows professionalism and humility.
• In Social Settings: When someone compliments your skills (e.g., your Chinese proficiency, your cooking, your musical talent), “过奖了” is a go-to response. It is often paired with `哪里哪里 (nǎli nǎli)` for extra effect.
• Receiving an Honor: When being presented with an award or public recognition, “过奖了” can be used to thank the presenter while expressing that you feel the honor is more than you deserve.
• Formality: While it's a polite phrase, it's not overly stiff. It can be used with teachers, elders, superiors, and new acquaintances. With very close friends in a highly informal setting, it might sound a bit formal, but it's never considered incorrect or strange.

• Example 1:
• 你的中文说得真地道！(Nǐ de Zhōngwén shuō de zhēn dìdào!)
• 哎呀，过奖了，我还在学习呢。(Āiyā, guòjiǎng le, wǒ hái zài xuéxí ne.)
• Pinyin: Āiyā, guòjiǎng le, wǒ hái zài xuéxí ne.
• English: “Your Chinese is so authentic!” “Oh, you're too kind, I'm still learning.”
• Analysis: This is a classic scenario for learners. Responding with “过奖了” followed by a humble statement like “I'm still learning” is a perfect and very common response.
• Example 2:
• 小王，你这次的项目报告做得非常出色。 (Xiǎo Wáng, nǐ zhè cì de xiàngmù bàogào zuò de fēicháng chūsè.)
• 谢谢老板，您过奖了。 (Xièxie lǎobǎn, nín guòjiǎng le.)
• Pinyin: Xièxie lǎobǎn, nín guòjiǎng le.
• English: “Xiao Wang, your project report this time was outstanding.” “Thank you, boss, you flatter me.”
• Analysis: In a professional context, you can precede “过奖了” with a “Thank you” (谢谢). This acknowledges the compliment first before humbly deflecting it, which is a very polished and professional way to respond to a superior.
• Example 3:
• 你做的这道菜比饭店的还好吃！(Nǐ zuò de zhè dào cài bǐ fàndiàn de hái hǎochī!)
• 哪里哪里，过奖了。喜欢就多吃点。(Nǎlǐ nǎlǐ, guòjiǎng le. Xǐhuān jiù duō chī diǎn.)
• Pinyin: Nǎlǐ nǎlǐ, guòjiǎng le. Xǐhuān jiù duō chī diǎn.
• English: “This dish you made is even better than a restaurant's!” “Not at all, you're too kind. If you like it, please have some more.”
• Analysis: Here, “过奖了” is paired with `哪里哪里 (nǎli nǎli)`, another common phrase for deflecting praise. This combination is very natural and friendly.
• Example 4:
• 李教授，您的学识真令人敬佩。(Lǐ jiàoshòu, nín de xuéshì zhēn lìng rén jìngpèi.)
• 过奖了，我们互相学习。( Guòjiǎng le, wǒmen hùxiāng xuéxí.)
• Pinyin: Guòjiǎng le, wǒmen hùxiāng xuéxí.
• English: “Professor Li, your knowledge is truly admirable.” “You're too kind, let's learn from each other.”
• Analysis: Responding with “let's learn from each other” (互相学习) after “过奖了” is a very humble and respectable reply, especially in academic or professional circles.
• Example 5:
• 你的孩子真懂事，又聪明又礼貌。(Nǐ de háizi zhēn dǒngshì, yòu cōngmíng yòu lǐmào.)
• 您过奖了，他就是个淘气包。(Nín guòjiǎng le, tā jiùshì ge táoqìbāo.)
• Pinyin: Nín guòjiǎng le, tā jiùshì ge táoqìbāo.
• English: “Your child is so sensible, so smart and polite.” “You flatter me, he's just a little rascal.”
• Analysis: When receiving a compliment about one's child, it's customary to deflect it humbly. Following “过奖了” with a self-deprecating (but loving) comment is a very typical and culturally appropriate response for a parent.
• Example 6:
• 在这次谈判中，你表现得太棒了！(Zài zhè cì tánpàn zhōng, nǐ biǎoxiàn de tài bàng le!)
• 过奖了，这都是团队的功劳。( Guòjiǎng le, zhè dōu shì tuánduì de gōngláo.)
• Pinyin: Guòjiǎng le, zhè dōu shì tuánduì de gōngláo.
• English: “You performed brilliantly in this negotiation!” “You're too kind, it was all due to the team's effort.”
• Analysis: A key use of “过奖了” is to deflect individual praise and share the