guòjiǎng: 过奖 - To overpraise, You flatter me

Keywords: 过奖, guojiang, guòjiǎng, you flatter me in Chinese, how to respond to a compliment in Chinese, Chinese modesty, overpraise, Chinese culture, polite Chinese phrases, 谦虚, qiānxū, 哪里哪里, 不敢当

Summary: Learn how to use “过奖” (guòjiǎng), the essential Chinese phrase for humbly responding to a compliment. This page breaks down its meaning, cultural significance, and practical usage. Discover why simply saying “thank you” isn't always enough in Chinese culture and master the art of modesty (谦虚) with example sentences and comparisons to similar phrases like “哪里哪里” (nǎlǐ nǎlǐ). This is your guide to sounding polite, humble, and culturally aware in Mandarin Chinese.

Pinyin (with tone marks): guòjiǎng

Part of Speech: Verb Phrase / Interjection

HSK Level: HSK 4/5

Concise Definition: To overpraise; used as a polite, humble response to a compliment, meaning “you flatter me” or “you're too kind.”

In a Nutshell: “过奖” (guòjiǎng) is the classic way to deflect a compliment in Chinese. It's not that you disagree with the praise, but you are expressing humility by suggesting the praise is excessive. It's a verbal bow that acknowledges the compliment while reinforcing social harmony and showing respect.

过 (guò): This character's core meaning is “to pass,” “to cross,” or “to exceed.” In this context, it takes on the meaning of “excessively” or “too much.”

奖 (jiǎng): This character means “to praise,” “to commend,” or “a reward/prize.”

When combined, 过奖 (guòjiǎng) literally translates to “exceeding praise” or “to praise too much.” This literal meaning perfectly captures its function as a humble deflection of a compliment.

The Virtue of Modesty (谦虚 - qiānxū): At the heart of “过奖” is the foundational Chinese cultural value of 谦虚 (qiānxū), or modesty. In traditional and many modern contexts, openly accepting praise without deflection can be seen as arrogant or lacking in self-awareness. Responding with “过奖” demonstrates that you are humble, respectful, and aware of your place within the social structure. It's a way of maintaining group harmony by not elevating yourself above others.

Comparison to Western Culture: In most Western cultures, the standard and expected response to a compliment is a confident “Thank you.” This is seen as gracious and accepting. While “过奖” can be translated as “You flatter me,” the English phrase is often used in more limited, sometimes even flirtatious or archaic, contexts. In Chinese, “过奖” is a standard, all-purpose polite response. A direct “谢谢 (xièxie)” can sometimes feel blunt or even slightly conceited, as if you're saying, “Thanks, I know I'm great.” “过奖” softens the interaction, effectively saying, “Thank you for your kind words, though I feel I don't fully deserve such high praise.”

Formality: “过奖” is considered polite and moderately formal. It's more formal than the casual “哪里哪里” (nǎlǐ nǎlǐ) but less intensely formal than “不敢当” (bù gǎndāng). It strikes a perfect balance for most everyday professional and respectful social interactions. While younger people might use more casual responses among close friends, “过奖” is universally understood and appreciated.

哪里哪里 (nǎlǐ nǎlǐ) - A more informal and colloquial way to say “You flatter me.” Literally “Where? Where?”, it implies “Where is this skill you speak of? I don't see it.” It's very common and friendly.

不敢当 (bù gǎndāng) - A very formal and self-deprecating response, meaning “I dare not accept such a compliment.” Use this when being praised by a very high-status individual or for a monumental achievement.

谦虚 (qiānxū) - The noun/adjective for “modesty” or “humble.” This is the core cultural value that phrases like “过奖” express.

夸奖 (kuājiǎng) - The verb “to praise” or “to compliment.” “过奖” is what you say when someone “夸奖”s you.

谬赞 (miùzàn) - A highly literary and formal synonym for “过奖.” It means “mistaken praise” or “undeserved praise.” You will see this in writing but rarely hear it in casual conversation.

还好 (hái hǎo) - “It's alright,” “It's okay.” A casual way to downplay your ability after a compliment.

一般般 (yìbānbān) - “Just so-so,” “average.” A very colloquial and self-deprecating response often used among peers.