📖 Meaning
To act humbly and submissively toward others, especially toward those of lower status. It describes a person who is naturally inclined to defer, accommodate, and show gentle consideration, often to the point of self-effacement.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from Chapter 9 of Cao Xueqin's classic Qing Dynasty novel 'Dream of the Red Chamber' (红楼梦). The passage describes the protagonist Jia Baoyu as being naturally inclined to 'zuo xiao fu di' — meaning he habitually humbled himself, spoke softly and ingratiatingly, and showed tender consideration toward others with lingering, gentle words. The phrase captures Baoyu's innate gentleness and his tendency to lower himself in social interactions rather than assert dominance.
💡 Example Usage
他性格温顺，在团队里总是作小服低，从不与人争执。
He is gentle-natured, always acting humbly and deferentially within the team, never arguing with anyone.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 作小服低
- Pinyin: zuò xiǎo fú dī
- Literal Translation: act, small, submit, low
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4