糠秕在前 — “Referring to oneself as inferior or less valuable than others”

糠秕在前 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “referring to oneself as inferior or less valuable than others”. Often used humorously or self-deprecatingly to express humility, suggesting one is like 'chaff' compared to the 'grain' of others. Literally, “chaff in front; husks in the front”.

Frequency

糠秕在前 Pronunciation and Pinyin

糠秕在前 Character Breakdown

Stroke Order

Character	Pinyin	Strokes	Meaning
糠	kāng	17	grain husk or bran
秕	bǐ	9	unfilled or shriveled grain
在	zài	6	to be at or in
前	qián	9	forward, before, previous

Example Sentence with 糠秕在前

他总是很谦虚，即使取得了很大的成就，也常说自己不过是糠秕在前，还有很多需要学习的地方。

He is always very humble; even after achieving great success, he often says he is merely 'chaff in front,' meaning he still has much to learn.

Origin and Story of 糠秕在前

During the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Sima Yu invited Wang Tanzhi and Fan Qi to a discussion. Fan Qi was older but held a lower official rank, while Wang Tanzhi was younger but held a higher position.

As they approached the meeting place, both men, out of politeness, insisted the other walk ahead. Wang Tanzhi, stepping in front of Fan Qi, playfully remarked, "When winnowing and sifting, the chaff always goes in front." This was a self-deprecating comment, likening himself to 'chaff' (worthless husks) compared to Fan Qi, who he implied was the valuable 'grain.'

Fan Qi, quick-witted, retorted, "When washing and sifting, the gravel always stays behind," cleverly implying that those of lesser quality (gravel) are left behind after refinement.

The idiom '糠秕在前' (kāng bǐ zài qián) comes from Wang Tanzhi's initial humorous and humble remark.