Chinese
tǎohǎo
Meaning: to curry favor with; to please; to ingratiate oneself
Part of Speech: Verb

Listen to pronunciation

Handwriting

討好
討
好
讨好
讨
好

Example sentences

In order to please his boss, he takes the initiative to work overtime every day.
沒想到忙了一整天,卻落得兩頭不討好的下場。
没想到忙了一整天,却落得两头不讨好的下场。
I didn't expect that after being busy all day, I'd end up pleasing neither side.

Usage Notes

Often used to describe an intentional effort to gain favor, sometimes with a slightly negative connotation of sycophancy. It can also mean 'to yield good results' in negative contexts like '吃力不討好' (hard work with no reward).

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