When combined, `不近人情` (bù jìn rén qíng) creates a vivid image of someone or something that “does not get close to human feelings.” It fails to approach a situation with the expected human touch.
The soul of `不近人情` lies in its negation of the crucial cultural concept of `人情 (rénqíng)`. In English, `人情` might be translated as “human feeling” or “favor,” but it's much deeper. It represents the intricate web of social obligations, empathy, flexibility, and mutual understanding that helps maintain harmony in society. It's the “grease” that makes the wheels of social interaction turn smoothly. A Westerner might praise a manager for being “strictly by the book” and “impartial” when they fire an underperforming employee right before a major holiday. This might be seen as fair and professional. However, from a traditional Chinese perspective, the timing and lack of consideration for the employee's situation could easily be condemned as `不近人情`. The decision, while perhaps logical from a business standpoint, is seen as cold, cruel, and a breach of basic human compassion. Therefore, to be accused of being `不近人情` is a serious social criticism. It implies you are rigid, cold-hearted, and perhaps unfit for a harmonious community because you prioritize rules, logic, or self-interest over the well-being and feelings of others.
`不近人情` is a common idiom used in various situations, almost always carrying a strong negative and critical connotation.