Chinese compliment: meaning & examples

Meanings:

• 1.

  English-speakingslangidiomaticpejorative
  • A remark that outwardly appears complimentary but is actually a veiled or subtle insult; a backhanded compliment.

  Examples

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  • When she said your cooking is ‘interesting,’ it sounded like a Chinese compliment rather than genuine praise.

    When she said your cooking is ‘interesting,’ it sounded like a Chinese compliment rather than genuine praise.

  • I thought his remark about my outfit was a Chinese compliment, but it actually stung a bit.

    I thought his remark about my outfit was a Chinese compliment, but it actually stung a bit.

  • Sometimes people use Chinese compliments without realizing they come off as subtle insults.

    Sometimes people use Chinese compliments without realizing they come off as subtle insults.

• 2.

  InternationalChina-relatedneutralliteral
  • A genuine compliment expressed by a Chinese person or about Chinese culture.

  Examples

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  • During the festival, the elders gave Chinese compliments to the children, praising their manners and achievements.

    During the festival, the elders gave Chinese compliments to the children, praising their manners and achievements.

  • The ambassador expressed Chinese compliments about the rich cultural heritage he experienced during his visit.

    The ambassador expressed Chinese compliments about the rich cultural heritage he experienced during his visit.

  • Her letter contained Chinese compliments that highlighted the beauty of traditional Chinese art.

    Her letter contained Chinese compliments that highlighted the beauty of traditional Chinese art.

  • We received several Chinese compliments on our efforts to promote understanding between the two communities.

    We received several Chinese compliments on our efforts to promote understanding between the two communities.