特立独行者
tèlìdúxíngzhě
The English word maverick is translated into Chinese as 特立独行者 (tèlìdúxíngzhě).
A maverick is someone who is unconventional or does not abide by rules. In Chinese, the term carries a positive connotation of integrity and independence, rather than simply suggesting someone is a troublemaker.
Meaning: one who is unconventional or does not abide by rules (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term 特立独行者 is composed of 特立 (standing alone or uniquely), 独行 (walking alone) and 者 (a suffix for a person or a doer).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
特立独行者 is a more emphatic and formal way to describe a maverick.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some parts of China, people may use 个性派 to refer to a maverick.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase can be used as an adjective 特立独行 to describe a person's behavior, whereas adding the suffix 者 (zhě) turns it into the noun 特立独行者.
How do you pronounce it?
tèlìdúxíngzhě
Did you know?
- In Chinese culture, being a 特立独行者 is often linked to the 'scholar-official' ideal of resisting corruption even when it means losing one's position.
- While 特立独行者 emphasizes a solitary path, the slang term 个性派 literally describes someone as belonging to a 'personality school' or 'faction'.
- In modern internet slang, someone who is 特立独行 is sometimes jokingly called a 杠精 if their unconventionality is actually just a desire to argue.
Examples in context
- 他是一个不拘一格的独行者。He is a maverick who doesn't conform to any particular rule.
- 那位艺术家是一个永远走在时代前沿的特立独行者。That artist is a maverick who always pushes the boundaries of their time.
- 那个年轻音乐家真的很特立独走。That young musician is truly a maverick when it comes to following their own unique style.
- 他是一个不拘小节的艺术家，在作品中展现出了他的特立独行。He is an artist who doesn't bother about trivial matters, and this attitude is reflected in his works, demonstrating his maverick nature.
- 他是一个特立独行者。Tā shì yīgè tè lì dú xíng zhě.He is a maverick.
- 在这个行业里，他是个特立独行者。Zài zhège hángyè lǐ, tā shì gè tè lì dú xíng zhě.He is a maverick in this industry.
- 大家都觉得他是一个特立独行者。Dàjiā dōu juédé tā shì yīgè tè lì dú xíng zhě.Everyone thinks he is a maverick.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a famous designer's unique style.
- 伟 Wei你觉得他的设计风格怎么样？Nǐ juédé tā de shèjì fēnggé zěnmeyàng?What do you think of his design style?
- 佳怡 Jiayi他绝对是个特立独行者。Tā juéduì shì gè tè lì dú xíng zhě.He is definitely a maverick.
- 伟 Wei没错，他从不跟随潮流。Méi cuò, tā cóng bù gēnsuí cháoliú.That's right, he never follows trends.
- 佳怡 Jiayi这种特立独行者很难得。Zhè zhǒng tè lì dú xíng zhě hěn nándé.A maverick like him is hard to find.
