不如人意

bù rú rén yì
phraseIntermediate💡 not as good as one's expectations
general

Not meeting expectations; disappointing or unsatisfactory.

他的表现不如人意,让大家都很失望。

His performance was disappointing, leaving everyone disheartened.

这次旅行的安排不如人意,我们遇到了很多麻烦。

The arrangements for this trip were unsatisfactory; we encountered many problems.

💡

This phrase is commonly used to express dissatisfaction with a situation or outcome that falls short of expectations.

Collocations

结果不如人意the result is disappointing表现不如人意performance is unsatisfactory

Related Phrases

不尽如人意phrase
not entirely satisfactory
如愿以偿phrase
as one wishes; fulfilling one's desires

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

This phrase is versatile and can be used in various contexts, such as describing a disappointing event, an unsatisfactory performance, or an outcome that falls short of expectations.

Gold Rule

Avoid Overuse

While useful, overusing this phrase can make your speech or writing sound overly negative. Use it judiciously to maintain a balanced tone.

📖Word Origin

The phrase is composed of four characters: 不 (not), 如 (as), 人 (people), and 意 (expectation or will). It literally means 'not as good as people's expectations,' emphasizing a gap between reality and expectations.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is often used in both formal and informal contexts to express disappointment or dissatisfaction with a situation, outcome, or performance. It is a common way to convey that something did not meet the expected standards.

Word Breakdown

not
prefix
+
as, like
root
+
people
root
+
expectation, will
root
汉英词典