Chinese Idiom: 自惭形秽 (Zi Can Xing Hui)
English Translation: Ashamed of one’s own ugliness
pīn yīn: zì cán xíng huì
Idiom Meaning: This idiom expresses a feeling of shame or inferiority in comparison to others, particularly in terms of appearance or capabilities.
Historical Source: Shishuo Xinyu” (《世说新语·容止》)
Idiom Story:
During the Jin Dynasty, there was a handsome general named Wang Ji (styled Wuzi), who was related to a renowned figure, Wei Yu. Wei Yu was exceptionally handsome, often praised for his striking features that resembled finely carved jade.
One day, when Wang Ji encountered his nephew Wei Yu, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of inferiority and lamented, “With such a jewel as Wei Yu by my side, I feel my own appearance to be quite lacking.”
This moment of self-reflection highlights Wang Ji’s feelings of inadequacy in the presence of his more attractive relative, which led to the expression “自惭形秽” (Zi Can Xing Hui), signifying the shame one feels when comparing oneself unfavorably to others.
The idiom emphasizes the universal experience of feeling inferior or self-conscious when in the presence of those who seem superior in some way.
