佩服
pèi fú HSK 5

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

我很佩服他的工作能力。
Wǒ hěn pèifú tā de gōngzuò nénglì.
I really admire his work ability.
她佩服那位勇敢的医生。
Tā pèifú nà wèi yǒnggǎn de yīshēng.
She admires that brave doctor.
学生们佩服老师的知识。
Xuéshēngmen pèifú lǎoshī de zhīshì.
The students admire the teacher's knowledge.
我很佩服他。
Wǒ hěn pèifú tā.
I admire him.
她佩服老师。
Tā pèifú lǎoshī.
She admires the teacher.

💡 Memory Tip

Think of 佩 (pèi) as in 佩戴 (to wear), like wearing a badge of honor, and 服 (fú) as in 服气 (to be convinced). So, 佩服 is like "wearing" admiration because you are convinced by someone's excellence.

📝 Usage Notes

It is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese, in formal and informal contexts. It is often used to express admiration for someone's skills, courage, perseverance, or moral character. For example, you can use it to praise a colleague's work ethic or a friend's talent.

📖 Grammar Points

佩服 is a transitive verb and usually takes an object (e.g., 佩服他). It can be modified by degree adverbs like 很, 非常, 十分 (e.g., 我很佩服他). It can also be used in the structure "让/令人佩服" to mean "admirable" or "impressive" (e.g., 他的精神让人佩服).

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, expressing 佩服 is a way to show humility and respect, acknowledging others' strengths. It is often used sincerely to build social harmony and show appreciation. However, overusing it without genuine feeling might be seen as insincere.

🔄 Similar Words

Similar to 敬佩 (jìngpèi), which also means to admire but carries a stronger sense of reverence and is slightly more formal. 佩服 is more about being impressed by someone's abilities, while 敬佩 often implies respect for someone's character or moral standing. Another word is 崇拜 (chóngbài), which means to worship or idolize, and is stronger and more emotional than 佩服.

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