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不三不四

bù sān bù sì

shady; disreputable

Character by character

不bù
not
三sān
three
不bù
not
四sì
four

Example

别跟那些不三不四的人来往。
Stay away from those shady types.

Tone: negative (criticism).

Usage and origin

A classic parental warning, also used of improper talk or clothes.

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