Definition
等闲之辈 is a four-character idiom (成语) that literally means 'an ordinary person' but is almost always used in the negative — 非等闲之辈 or 不是等闲之辈 — to say that someone is 'not someone to be trifled with' or 'not an ordinary person'. It carries a tone of respect or caution, implying the person has exceptional ability, status, or influence. You'll encounter it in formal or literary contexts, often describing a formidable opponent or a remarkable individual.
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(set phrase, used in the negative) not an ordinary personnot to be underestimated
Examples
- 等闲之辈，。Cǐ rén jué fēi děng xián zhī bèi, nǐ yào xiǎoxīn yìngduì.This person is by no means an ordinary one — you should deal with him carefully.
- ，等闲之辈。Néng zài zhège lǐngyù qǔdé rúcǐ chéngjiù de, dōu bú shì děng xián zhī bèi.Those who can achieve so much in this field are no ordinary people.
- ，等闲之辈。Tā néng zài guójì bǐsài zhōng duóguàn, guǒrán bú shì děng xián zhī bèi.He was able to win the championship in an international competition — indeed, he's no ordinary person.
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