比上不足比下有余 bǐ shàng bù zú bǐ xià yǒu yú

to fall short of the best but be better than the worst

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency Unknown

Definitions

  1. 1. to fall short of the best but be better than the worst
  2. 2. can pass muster

Characters

Character Meaning
比 bǐ HSK 2
(particle used for comparison and "-er than"); to compare
上 shàng HSK 1
to go up; on top; above
不 bù HSK 1
not; no; (negative prefix)
足 zú HSK 2
to be sufficient; foot; ample
比 bǐ HSK 2
(particle used for comparison and "-er than"); to compare
下 xià HSK 1
down; below; to go down
有 yǒu HSK 1
to have; there is; there are
余 yú HSK 5
remaining; surplus; extra