Definition
势利 (shìlì) is a stative verb describing a person who is snobbish — someone who treats people differently based on their wealth, power, or social status, often showing favor to the rich and powerful while looking down on the less fortunate. It carries a strong derogatory tone. You can use it with 很 (very) to describe someone's attitude or behavior.
s.v.
snobbishprioritizing power and wealth over personal character(of a person or attitude) money-worshippingtreating people according to their wealth or status
Examples
- 势利，。Tā tài shì lì le, zhǐ gēn yǒuqiánrén jiāo péngyou.He is too snobbish; he only makes friends with rich people.
- 势利。Tā nà zhǒng shì lì de tàidu ràng rén hěn bù shūfu.That snobbish attitude of hers makes people very uncomfortable.
- 势利，。Wǒ bù xǐhuan shì lì de rén, tāmen zhǐ kànzhòng qián hé dìwèi.I don't like snobbish people; they only care about money and status.
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