Definition
不三不四 is a four-character idiom (成语) used to describe someone of dubious character or behavior that is neither proper nor acceptable. Literally 'not three, not four', it originates from the ancient numbering system where 三 (three) and 四 (four) were associated with proper conduct; falling outside both means being improper or shady. You can use it to criticize someone's conduct, especially when they don't act according to social norms.
v.p.
dubiousshadyneither respectable nor proper (of a person's character or behavior)
Examples
- 不三不四,。Tā jiāo le yì bāng bù sān bù sì de péngyou, jiālǐ rén dōu hěn dānxīn.He made friends with a bunch of shady people, and his family is very worried.
- 不三不四,。Zhège rén bù sān bù sì de, bié gēn tā zǒu de tài jìn.This person is dubious—don't get too close to him.
- 不三不四,。Nà zhǒng bù sān bù sì de huà, nǐ zuìhǎo shǎo shuō.You'd better stop saying that kind of inappropriate talk.
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