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难以启齿

nán yǐ qǐ chǐ

too embarrassing to bring up

Character by character

难nán
hard
以yǐ
to
启qǐ
open
齿chǐ
teeth

Example

借钱这种事,我实在难以启齿。
Asking to borrow money? I just can't bring myself to say it.

Tone: neutral.

Usage and origin

For awkward requests or shameful matters.

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