Meaning
不平 literally means 'not flat' and extends to describe both physical unevenness and abstract unfairness or injustice. It can refer to surfaces that are bumpy or uneven, as well as situations that are unjust. When describing feelings, it expresses indignation or resentment about unfair treatment.
Usage
This word appears in both literal contexts (uneven roads, rough surfaces) and figurative contexts (social injustice, unfair treatment). The phrase 打抱不平 (dǎ bào bù píng) is a common idiom meaning 'to defend someone against injustice.' It often carries a sense of moral judgment when describing situations.
Examples
- 01他看到老人被欺负，马上打抱不平。, .When he saw the old person being bullied, he immediately stood up for them.
- 02这条路路面不平，开车要小心。, .This road has an uneven surface, so drive carefully.
Characters
Common collocations
- 打抱不平to defend against injustice
- 路面不平uneven road surface
- 心里不平to feel indignant
- 不平之气sense of injustice/indignation
Antonyms
Origin
Formed from 不 (not) + 平 (flat/even). The extension from physical flatness to moral fairness reflects the Chinese conceptual metaphor linking physical levelness with social equity.