Definition
半生不熟 is a four-character set phrase that literally means 'half-raw, not cooked'. It has three related figurative uses: (1) describing food that is undercooked; (2) knowledge or skills that are only superficially learned, not mastered; (3) a relationship that is neither close nor distant — a casual acquaintance. Context determines which sense applies.
f.e.
undercookedhalf-raw (food)half-learnednot yet fully understood (knowledge or skill)casual acquaintancenot close (relationship)
Examples
- 半生不熟，。Zhè ròu hái bàn shēng bú, děi zài zhǔ yíhuìr.This meat is still undercooked; it needs to cook a bit longer.
- 半生不熟。Tā duì zhè mén jìshù zhǐshì yìdiǎn bàn shēng bú de liǎojiě.His understanding of this skill is only superficial.
- 半生不熟，。Wǒ hé tā zhǐshì bàn shēng bú de guānxì, bú suàn shēnjiāo.He and I are just casual acquaintances, not close friends.
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