zhangshiqiren: 仗势欺人 - To bully people by relying on one's power or influence

• Keywords: zhangshiqiren, zhang shi qi ren, 仗势欺人, Chinese idiom for bullying, abuse of power in Chinese, throw one's weight around, Chinese chengyu, rely on influence to bully, what does zhangshiqiren mean.
• Summary: The Chinese idiom (chengyu) 仗势欺人 (zhàng shì qī rén) vividly describes the act of abusing one's power or influence to bully or oppress others. It refers to someone who, relying on their authority, wealth, or powerful connections, mistreats those with less power. Understanding 仗势欺人 is key to grasping Chinese cultural perspectives on justice, fairness, and the moral responsibilities that come with authority.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): zhàng shì qī rén
• Part of Speech: Idiom (Chengyu); Verb Phrase
• HSK Level: N/A (Advanced)
• Concise Definition: To rely on one's power, authority, or influence to bully or oppress others.
• In a Nutshell: Imagine a manager who threatens to fire employees for not running personal errands for them, or a wealthy person who treats service staff with contempt because they know there will be no consequences. This is the essence of `仗势欺人`. It’s not just simple bullying; it’s bullying supercharged by an unfair power dynamic. The term carries a strong sense of injustice and moral condemnation.

• 仗 (zhàng): To rely on; to depend on; to lean on.
• 势 (shì): Power; authority; influence; momentum.
• 欺 (qī): To bully; to deceive; to oppress.
• 人 (rén): Person; people.

The characters combine literally to mean “to rely on power to bully people.” It’s a very direct and descriptive idiom, painting a clear picture of the action.

`仗势欺人` is a deeply condemned behavior in Chinese culture, tapping into millennia of social and philosophical thought. Confucianism, a cornerstone of Chinese society, emphasizes a structured social hierarchy where those in power have a moral obligation to be benevolent and just (`仁, rén`) to those below them. A ruler, official, or even a family elder who abuses their position violates this fundamental social contract. Comparison to Western Culture: While “abuse of power” or “throwing one's weight around” are close English equivalents, `仗势欺人` often feels more personal and immediate. “Abuse of power” can sound like a formal, systemic issue (e.g., “The corporation was found guilty of an abuse of power”). `仗势欺人`, however, is frequently used to describe a specific, face-to-face act of an individual leveraging their status against another. This concept is a classic trope in Chinese literature, film, and television, often embodied by the corrupt official, the arrogant “rich second-generation” (富二代, fù'èrdài), or the haughty imperial eunuch. The hero of the story is often the one who stands up to this injustice, defending the common person and restoring moral order.

`仗势欺人` remains a highly relevant and frequently used term today.

• Connotation: It is always strongly negative. There is no situation where this behavior is seen as acceptable. Accusing someone of `仗势欺人` is a serious criticism of their character.
• Formality: It is a well-known chengyu, making it suitable for both formal contexts (news reports, speeches) and informal conversations.

Common situations where you might hear this term:

• Workplace: Describing a manager who uses their position to exploit or humiliate their subordinates.
• Business: A large company using its market dominance to crush smaller competitors unfairly.
• Social Situations: Someone using their family's wealth or political connections to demand special treatment, cut in line, or be rude to service staff. This is a common complaint seen on Chinese social media.
• News & Politics: A constant criticism leveled against corrupt government officials who use their public office for personal gain at the expense of ordinary citizens.

• Example 1:
  • 他当了经理以后，就开始仗势欺人，同事们都很讨厌他。
  • Pinyin: Tā dāngle jīnglǐ yǐhòu, jiù kāishǐ zhàng shì qī rén, tóngshìmen dōu hěn tǎoyàn tā.
  • English: After he became the manager, he started to throw his weight around and bully people; the colleagues all really dislike him.
  • Analysis: A classic workplace scenario. The term perfectly describes the abuse of newfound managerial power.
• Example 2:
  • 你不过是认识老板，别在这里仗势欺人！
  • Pinyin: Nǐ bùguò shì rènshí lǎobǎn, bié zài zhèlǐ zhàng shì qī rén!
  • English: You just know the boss, don't bully people with his influence here!
  • Analysis: A direct and confrontational use of the phrase. The speaker is calling out the bully and pointing out that their power is borrowed, not their own.
• Example 3:
  • 这家大公司总是仗势欺人，利用法律漏洞来压榨小供应商。
  • Pinyin: Zhè jiā dà gōngsī zǒngshì zhàng shì qī rén, lìyòng fǎlǜ lòudòng lái yāzhà xiǎo gōngyìng shāng.
  • English: This big corporation always abuses its power, using legal loopholes to squeeze small suppliers.
  • Analysis: This shows how the term can be applied to an entity like a company, not just an individual.
• Example 4:
  • 我们要建立一个公平的社会，决不允许任何人仗势欺人。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen yào jiànlì yīgè gōngpíng de shèhuì, jué bù yǔnxǔ rènhé rén zhàng shì qī rén.
  • English: We must build a fair society and absolutely not allow anyone to bully others by relying on their power.
  • Analysis: A formal and aspirational use, common in speeches or official statements.
• Example 5:
  • 那个富二代开车撞了人，还仗势欺人，对受害者大吼大叫。
  • Pinyin: Nàge fù'èrdài kāichē zhuàngle rén, hái zhàng shì qī rén, duì shòuhàizhě dà hǒu dà jiào.
  • English: That rich kid hit someone with his car and then, relying on his influence, even yelled at the victim.
  • Analysis: This illustrates a stereotypical “villain” in modern Chinese society—the arrogant child of a wealthy family who believes they are above the law.
• Example 6:
  • 在旧社会，地主仗势欺人、剥削农民是常有的事。
  • Pinyin: Zài jiù shèhuì, dìzhǔ zhàng shì qī rén, bōxuè nóngmín shì chángyǒu de shì.
  • English: In the old society, it was common for landlords to rely on their power to bully and exploit peasants.
  • Analysis: A historical application of the term, often used in textbooks or discussions about pre-revolutionary China.
• Example 7:
  • 作为老师，你不应该仗势欺人，要公平对待每一个学生。
  • Pinyin: Zuòwéi lǎoshī, nǐ bù yìnggāi zhàng shì qī rén, yào gōngpíng duìdài měi yīgè xuéshēng.
  • English: As a teacher, you shouldn't abuse your authority to bully; you must treat every student fairly.
  • Analysis: This highlights the moral responsibility that comes with a position of power, even one like a teacher.
• Example 8:
  • 他以为自己有点权力就了不起了，到处仗势欺人。
  • Pinyin: Tā yǐwéi zìjǐ yǒudiǎn quánlì jiù liǎobùqǐle, dàochù zhàng shì qī rén.
  • English: He thinks he's a big deal just because he has a little power, going around bullying people everywhere.
  • Analysis: A contemptuous description of someone's bad character.
• Example 9:
  • 别看他现在仗势欺人，等他老板下台了，他就什么都不是了。
  • Pinyin: Bié kàn tā xiànzài zhàng shì qī rén, děng tā lǎobǎn xiàtáile, tā jiù shénme dōu bùshìle.
  • English: Don't worry about him throwing his weight around now; once his boss is out of power, he'll be a nobody.
  • Analysis: This shows the transient nature of the “势” (power) and implies that such bullies will eventually get their comeuppance.
• Example 10:
  • 电影里的反派就是一个典型的、仗势欺人的恶棍。
  • Pinyin: Diànyǐng lǐ de fǎnpài jiùshì yīgè diǎnxíng de, zhàng shì qī rén de ègùn.
  • English: The villain in the movie is a typical scoundrel who bullies people with his power.
  • Analysis: Using the term adjectivally to describe a type of person or character.

• `仗势欺人` vs. `欺负 (qīfu)`: This is the most common point of confusion for learners.
  • `欺负 (qīfu)` is the general verb “to bully.” Anyone can `欺负` anyone else. (e.g., A bigger kid bullies a smaller kid).
  • `仗势欺人` is a specific type of bullying that must involve an imbalance of power, authority, or influence. The bully is leaning on their “势” (shì).
  • Incorrect: ~~两个孩子在操场上仗势欺人。~~ (Two kids were `zhangshiqiren`-ing on the playground.) → Unless one kid is the teacher's son and is using that status, you should just say `欺负 (qīfu)`.
  • Correct: 那个大孩子总是欺负小孩子。(That big kid always bullies the little kids.)
• It's an Accusation, Not a Self-Description: You use this term to describe or accuse someone else. You would never sincerely say, “I'm going to go `仗势欺人` now,” unless you were playing the part of a cartoon villain. It is an admission of immoral behavior.

• 欺负 (qīfu) - The general verb “to bully.” `仗势欺人` is a specific method of bullying.
• 狐假虎威 (hú jiǎ hǔ wēi) - “The fox borrows the tiger's might.” A close synonym, often used for someone who acts powerful because they are associated with a truly powerful person. It has a more fable-like quality.
• 狗仗人势 (gǒu zhàng rén shì) - “A dog relies on its master's power.” A more vulgar and insulting version of `狐假虎威`, implying the person is a lackey.
• 恃强凌弱 (shì qiáng líng ruò) - “To rely on one's strength to oppress the weak.” A synonym that can refer to physical strength as much as positional power.
• 滥用职权 (lànyòng zhíquán) - A formal, legalistic term for “abuse of official power,” often used in news reports about corruption.
• 飞扬跋扈 (fēiyáng báhù) - Describes the arrogant, domineering, and unrestrained attitude of a person who is likely to `仗势欺人`.
• 为富不仁 (wéi fù bù rén) - “To be rich and immoral.” Describes a character flaw of the wealthy, whose behavior often includes `仗势欺人`.
• 作威作福 (zuò wēi zuò fú) - “To act tyrannically and enjoy the perks.” Describes the behavior of someone in power who abuses their position for personal enjoyment and to oppress others.