贬低 biǎndī to belittle
to belittle; to disparage; to play down; to demean; to degrade; to devalue
How to remember 贬低: 贬 to devalue + 低 low = to belittle.
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How it is used
- To belittle/disparage - talk someone or something down - 贬低他人 (biǎndī tārén) to put others down; 贬低自己 (biǎndī zìjǐ) to sell oneself short.
- About lowering perceived worth in others' eyes; the opposite of 抬高 (táigāo) or 赞扬 (praise) - 抬高自己 (táigāo zìjǐ) talk oneself up.
- Distinct from 贬值 (biǎnzhí, monetary devaluation): 贬低 is about esteem, not currency value.