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base, lowly, vile, vulgar, mean
Kanji 1727

Thank you for visiting this Character Home Page. Below you'll find a synopsis of the essay. If you wish to read the full text, the PDF of the essay is available for purchase to the right.

Synopsis

Because 卑 means “base, lowly, vile, vulgar, mean,” it acquaints us with uncouth human behavior. Then again, 卑 can also mean “humble” (i.e., the opposite of “arrogant”), which is definitely a positive quality, especially in Japan. With this essay you'll learn Japanese words for "self-deprecation," "vulgarity," "despicable," "low class," and "coward." You'll also encounter an expression that means "Too much humility is pride." After reading about 卑, you'll even know how to say, "my humble opinion," which is kind of like IMHO, but not quite!

"Added Rev Note to CHP:

Revision history:

Jan. 28, 2020: 

  • p. 2: Etymology Box: Replaced the old Henshall etymology with the new one.
  • p. 8: Added a link to the Kanshudo games.

Feb. 10, 2012: Originally published.

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