Chinese Idiom: 羞与哙伍 (Xiu Yu Kuai Wu)
English Translation: Ashamed to be in the company of someone like Fan Kuai.
pīn yīn: xiū yǔ kuài wǔ
Idiom Meaning: This idiom is used to express the feeling of being unwilling to associate with or be in the same company as someone deemed uncultured or inferior. It indicates a reluctance to engage with people considered unrefined or of lower status.
Historical Source: Hanshu · Biography of Han Xin (《汉书·韩信传》)
Idiom Story:
The story takes place during the late Qin Dynasty and the early Han Dynasty. Fan Kuai (樊哙) was a native of Peixian and a loyal general under Liu Bang (later Emperor Gaozu of Han). Fan Kuai was known for his straightforwardness, bravery, and undying loyalty to Liu Bang, often accompanying him in battles and advising him on crucial matters. He made significant contributions in battle and was instrumental in protecting Liu Bang on multiple occasions.
When Liu Bang captured the Qin capital, Xianyang, he was tempted by the opulence of the Qin palace. Fan Kuai, however, courageously urged him to withdraw the troops, a move that ultimately gained the support of the people. Later, during the famous Feast at Hongmen, when the strategist Fan Zeng advised Xiang Yu to assassinate Liu Bang, Fan Kuai rushed in to protect Liu Bang, saving him from danger. His courage even impressed Xiang Yu, who praised Fan Kuai as a true warrior. After Liu Bang became emperor, Fan Kuai was rewarded for his loyalty and bravery and was granted the title “Marquis of Wuyang” (舞阳侯).
At the same time, Han Xin, a brilliant military strategist who had helped Liu Bang achieve many victories, was gradually losing favor with the emperor. Han Xin, once a great general, was stripped of his military power and downgraded to the title of “Marquis of Huaiyin” (淮阴侯), placing him at the same rank as Fan Kuai.
One day, Han Xin happened to pass by Fan Kuai’s residence. Fan Kuai, seeing Han Xin, immediately rushed out to greet him, treating him with the utmost respect, just as he had when Han Xin was a powerful general. Fan Kuai bowed and referred to himself as a humble servant, expressing his honor that Han Xin would grace his home with a visit. Despite his initial reluctance, Han Xin couldn’t refuse Fan Kuai’s hospitality and entered his home briefly before leaving after a short conversation.
However, instead of appreciating Fan Kuai’s respect, Han Xin felt humiliated. As he left, he complained bitterly, “How could I be reduced to the same rank as someone like Fan Kuai?” He considered Fan Kuai to be a common and uncultured man, and this perceived equality deeply offended his sense of superiority. Han Xin’s disdain for Fan Kuai’s company gave rise to the idiom “羞与哙伍,” reflecting his belief that he was too talented to associate with someone he deemed inferior.
This idiom is now used to describe someone who is unwilling to associate with people they consider beneath them or unworthy of their companionship.
