Definition
凡夫俗子 is a four-character idiom (成语) that literally means 'ordinary man, vulgar child' but refers to ordinary, unremarkable people — common mortals without special talents or spiritual enlightenment. It often carries a slightly self-deprecating or humble tone, and is used to contrast with saints, geniuses, or extraordinary individuals. The phrase originates from Buddhist terminology (凡夫 = ordinary person, as opposed to enlightened beings).
n.
ordinary peoplecommon mortalsthe masses
Examples
- 凡夫俗子，？Wǒmen dōu shì fán fū sú zǐ, nǎ néng méiyǒu fánnǎo ne?We are all ordinary people — how could we not have worries?
- ，凡夫俗子。Tā zǒng juéde zìjǐ yǔ zhòng bùtóng, kànbuqǐ wǒmen zhèxiē fán fū sú zǐ.He always thinks he's special and looks down on us common folks.
- 凡夫俗子。fán fū sú zǐ yě yǒu zìjǐ de mèngxiǎng hé zhuīqiú.Even ordinary people have their own dreams and aspirations.
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