Fixed Phrase: 不敢当
不敢当
Use 不敢当 to humbly deflect compliments and praise
A humble response to compliments or praise. Literally "dare not accept (such honor)," it conveys modesty by suggesting the speaker does not deserve the praise being given. Often used in formal or semi-formal contexts.
This is a fixed expression — the three characters always appear together in this order. It is more formal than casual deflections like 哪里哪里 or 没有没有, and is particularly appropriate when receiving significant praise or awards.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Fixed Phrase: 不敢当 (不敢当)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 不敢当 pattern
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Understanding 不敢当
In Chinese culture, directly accepting a compliment can seem arrogant or self-important. The phrase 不敢当 is one of the most elegant ways to deflect praise with humility. Literally meaning "I dare not accept (such an honor)," it signals that you consider the praise too high for your actual merits. This is not false modesty — it is a deeply ingrained cultural practice of showing respect to others by not elevating yourself. You will hear 不敢当 in situations where someone receives an award, a prestigious title, or particularly effusive praise. It is more formal and weighty than the casual 哪里哪里 (where, where — a common deflection) or 过奖了 (you flatter me). When someone says 你是我们最好的老师, responding with 不敢当 shows that you value their opinion while remaining humble. The phrase often appears with softening additions: 不敢当，我只是做了我应该做的 (I don't deserve it — I only did what I was supposed to do).
Key Points
- 不敢当 = "I dare not accept (such praise)" — a humble deflection of compliments.
- More formal than 哪里哪里 or 过奖了, suitable for significant praise or awards.
- Often followed by a self-deprecating explanation: 不敢当，我只是尽了自己的力量.
- The phrase reflects the Chinese value of 谦虚 (qiānxū) — modesty and humility.
- Can be softened with 真是 or 实在是: 真是不敢当 / 实在是不敢当.
- Appropriate in both professional and social settings when receiving serious praise.
Modesty (谦虚 qiānxū) is one of the most valued virtues in Chinese culture. While Western culture often encourages people to accept compliments gracefully with a simple "thank you," Chinese social norms traditionally expect some degree of deflection. Using 不敢当 shows cultural awareness and earns respect. However, in modern urban China, younger people may mix styles, sometimes accepting praise more directly.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
这样的奖励我真是不敢当。
I truly don't deserve such an award.
不敢当，我只是做了我应该做的事情。
I don't deserve it — I only did what I was supposed to do.
您千万别这样说，我实在是不敢当。
Please don't say that — I really don't deserve such praise.
大家这么夸我，我不敢当啊。
Everyone is praising me so much — I really don't deserve it.
你说我是专家，不敢当，我还有很多要学的。
You call me an expert — I don't deserve that title, I still have a lot to learn.
不敢当，都是大家一起努力的结果。
I don't deserve the credit — it is the result of everyone's effort.
Common Mistakes
不敢当 is too formal for casual compliments about cooking. Use 哪里哪里 or 过奖了 for everyday compliments among friends.
不敢当 is a fixed expression for deflecting praise — it does not take an object. You cannot say 不敢当 + noun. It stands alone or is followed by an explanation.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Use 不敢当 for significant praise (awards, titles, major accomplishments). For casual compliments, 哪里哪里 or 过奖了 are more natural.
Follow 不敢当 with a humble explanation to sound even more sincere: 不敢当，都是大家的功劳 (It's everyone's credit).
Practice the cultural rhythm: compliment → 不敢当 → humble redirect. This three-step pattern is very natural in Chinese.
Remember: 不敢当 shows 谦虚 (modesty), one of the most admired qualities in Chinese culture.
Homework
Imagine you receive three different types of praise: (1) a teacher calls you the best student, (2) a colleague says you led the project brilliantly, (3) a neighbor compliments your Chinese. Write a response to each using 不敢当 with an appropriate follow-up explanation.