Chinese Idiom: 不伦不类 (Bu Lun Bu Lei)
English Translations: Neither Fish nor Fowl
pīn yīn: bù lún bù lèi
Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes something or someone that does not fit into any particular category or is not quite right. It suggests that something is neither this kind nor that kind, often used to denote a lack of conformity or proper appearance.
Historical Source: Dream of the Red Chamber (《红楼梦》), Chapter 67
Idiom Story:
In Dream of the Red Chamber, Xue Pan returns from Jiangnan with two large boxes of goods for his mother, Xue Yima, and his sister, Xue Baochai. One box contains everyday items like silk and satin, while the other contains stationery and various small crafts. Xue Yima sorts and sends the items to Jia Mu and Wang Furen.
Baochai carefully sorts through the items, ensuring that each gift is suitable for its recipient, including Jia Huan. Zhao Yiniang, noticing Baochai’s thoughtfulness, admires her generosity and considers how Baochai’s actions reflect her good upbringing.
However, Zhao Yiniang questions why Baochai, being Wang Furen’s relative, does not send gifts directly to Wang Furen. She decides to take some of the gifts to Wang Furen, trying to show off Baochai’s thoughtfulness.
Wang Furen, understanding Zhao Yiniang’s insincerity, responds indifferently: “You can just take these and give them to Jia Huan.”
Zhao Yiniang leaves frustrated, her attempt to gain favor failing. Her remarks and actions are perceived as “不伦不类” (bù lún bù lèi), meaning they neither fit well into any particular category nor seem appropriate.
