亏待 kuīdài to treat somebody unfairly
How to remember 亏待: 亏 to lose + 待 to entertain = to treat somebody unfairly.
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How it is used
- To treat someone worse than they deserve - usually in the negative as a reassurance: 我不会亏待你的 (wǒ bú huì kuīdài nǐ de) I won't treat you unfairly / I'll make it worth your while.
- Implies shortchanging someone on what they're owed (reward, kindness); 亏 = to shortchange.
- Warm, promissory tone in the 不亏待 frame; distinct from general mistreatment 虐待 (nüèdài, to abuse).