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平起平坐

*The explanations on this page are generated by AI. Please note that they may contain inaccurate information.

1. Basic Information

  • Pinyin: píng qǐ píng zuò
  • English Translation: To be on equal footing / To sit at the same table
  • Idiom Composition: 「平」（Equally; at the same level）＋「起」（To stand up or rise）＋「平」（Equally; at the same level）＋「坐」（To sit down）
  • Meaning: Literally meaning 'to stand up and sit down together,' this idiom refers to having equal social status, power, or rights. It describes a relationship where there is no hierarchy and both parties are treated as equals.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「平起平坐」 contains the following nuances:

  • Equality of Status: This idiom emphasizes equality in social standing, power, or rank rather than just a comparison of technical skills or abilities.
  • Formal and Ceremonial Equality: Because the characters refer to the physical actions of standing and sitting, it carries a nuance of being treated as an equal in formal settings, such as negotiations or official ceremonies.

3. Usage

「平起平坐」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

  • Presumptuousness or Imbalance: Often used in a negative or rhetorical sense to criticize someone of lower rank who tries to act as an equal to a superior.
    • Example:「你只是个新人，怎么敢跟老板平起平坐？」
      （You are just a newcomer; how do you dare to think you can be on equal footing with the boss?）
  • Claiming Rights or Equality: Used in positive contexts or advocacy to assert that a group should enjoy the same rights and status as others.
    • Example:「女性在职场上应该享有与男性平起平坐的权利。」
      （Women should enjoy the right to be on equal footing with men in the workplace.）
  • Competitive Parity: Describes companies, countries, or entities that have developed enough strength to rival established giants.
    • Example:「这家初创公司发展迅速，如今已有实力跟行业巨头平起平坐。」
      （This startup has developed rapidly and now has the strength to stand as an equal with industry giants.）

Additional Examples:

  1. 在这个圆桌会议上，所有代表都是平起平坐的。
    （At this roundtable meeting, all representatives are on equal footing.）
  2. 想和世界一流选手平起平坐，你还需要更多的训练。
    （If you want to compete as an equal with world-class athletes, you need more training.）
  3. 过去被视为次要的电子竞技，现在终于可以和传统体育平起平坐了。
    （E-sports, once seen as secondary, can finally stand on equal ground with traditional sports.）
  4. 不论贫富，在法律面前人人都有权平起平坐。
    （Regardless of wealth, everyone has the right to be treated as an equal before the law.）
  5. 他虽然出身名门，但从不摆架子，总是和大家平起平坐。
    （Despite his noble background, he never puts on airs and always treats everyone as an equal.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

  • In traditional Chinese society influenced by Confucianism (孔子), strict hierarchies and social orders were paramount. Originally, 平起平坐 (píng qǐ píng zuò) could imply a lack of etiquette, as it ignored the rules of who should sit in the seat of honor or stand first based on age or rank.
  • In modern contexts, the idiom has evolved to reflect democratic values and the pursuit of equality. It is frequently used in discussions about human rights, gender equality, and international relations to describe a 'level playing field' or 'equal partnership.' However, it can still be used to warn someone against being 'presumptuous' if they overstep their bounds.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

6. Summary

平起平坐 (píng qǐ píng zuò) describes a state of equality in status or power. Derived from the physical act of standing and sitting at the same time—implying no one is subordinate—it is used to describe people, organizations, or nations that have reached the same level of influence. While it often highlights hard-won equality or rights, it can also be used critically to describe someone who presumptuously acts as an equal to their superior.

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