Definition
This classic four-character idiom (成语) comes from classical Chinese and literally means 'to snort at something with one's nose.' It conveys strong contempt, disdain, or scorn, and is often used with the preposition 对/对于 to specify the target (e.g., 对...嗤之以鼻). The tone is formal or literary, suitable for writing or speech where you want to emphasize dismissal.
idiom
to snort disdainfullyto express contempt or scorn
Examples
- 嗤之以鼻。Tā duì zhège huāngmiù de jiànyì chī zhī yǐ bí.He snorted at this ridiculous suggestion.
- ，嗤之以鼻。Duìyú nà zhǒng fūqiǎn de pīpíng, tā zhǐshì chī zhī yǐ bí.He just showed contempt for that kind of shallow criticism.
- ，嗤之以鼻。Miànduì zhèxiē yáoyán, kēxuéjiā men chī zhī yǐ bí.Facing these rumors, the scientists scoffed at them.
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