Meaning
稍逊 means to be slightly inferior or somewhat less impressive than something else. It combines 稍 (slightly) with 逊 (inferior/modest), creating a polite way to indicate that something is not quite as good as another thing, though the difference is not dramatic.
Usage
This expression is commonly used in comparisons to soften criticism or to politely acknowledge a slight deficiency. It's often found in literary or semi-formal contexts, including the famous phrase 稍逊风骚 (slightly less brilliant) from Mao Zedong's poetry. Native speakers use it when they want to make a comparison without being harshly critical.
Examples
- 01这款手机的性能稍逊于旗舰型号。.This phone's performance is slightly inferior to the flagship model.
- 02他的书法功底深厚，只是在气势上稍逊一筹。, .His calligraphy foundation is solid, but in terms of vigor it's slightly less impressive.
Characters
Common collocations
- 稍逊一筹slightly inferior, a notch below
- 稍逊风骚slightly less brilliant (from Mao's poetry)
- 略显稍逊appears somewhat inferior
Antonyms
Origin
The character 逊 originally meant to yield or give way to others, carrying connotations of modesty. Combined with 稍 (slightly), it creates a diplomatic expression for indicating relative inferiority.