“伤不起 (shāngbùqǐ)” means that someone has already been hurt enough that she can’t stand any more torment.
At first, “伤不起 (shāngbùqǐ)” was only popular in schools and on the internet, but now “伤不起 (shāngbùqǐ)” is widely used in daily life. Some television programs are using this phrase to create dramas. It has even been used as a song title by popular singers.
1. Méiyǒu fángzi de nánrén, nǐ shāngbùqǐ a.
没有 房子 的 男人，你 伤不起 啊。
The man without a house can’t be hurt anymore.
Note:
In China, from ancient time to nowadays, Chinese people have a rooted tradition –they have always wanted to own their own houses. In Chinese people’s mind, if you want to have a family, you’d better own a house first; this is especially emphasized for men, who usually have the burden to buy a house before marriage.
2. Bēnsān de nǚrén, nǐ shāngbùqǐ a.
奔三 的 女人，你 伤不起 啊。
A woman in her late 20s can’t be hurt anymore.
Note:
“奔 (bēn)” means “to hurry/to rush.” In the phrase “奔三 (bēnsān),” “三 (sān)” refers to the being thirty years old. “奔三 (bēnsān)” refers to the people who are in their late 20s, rushing to their 30s. In China, it means that they sometimes feel they become too old to be single.
Take a Free 1-on-1 live online Chinese lesson with our professional teachers from China.