“DISSATISFACTION WITH ONESELF” AND ITS REFLECTION IN THE RUSSIAN AND CHINESE LANGUAGES

Abstract

The article examines the phenomenon of “dissatisfaction with oneself” as a complex emotional and evaluative state arising from the discrepancy between a person’s self-image and reality. The objective of the study is to compare the ways this category is expressed in the Russian and Chinese languages. The material includes lexicographic sources, phraseological units, proverbs, and examples from fiction and publicistic texts. The analysis makes it possible to trace how the mechanisms of self-evaluation, associated with guilt, shame, conscience, and the striving for self-improvement, are reflected in both cultures. It is shown that in Russian, dissatisfaction with oneself is often expressed directly and with emotional intensity, while in Chinese it is more frequently conveyed indirectly, through metaphors and images, and is closely linked with the concept of “losing face.” In both traditions, however, this category is opposed to self-satisfaction and is viewed as a stimulus for personal growth. The results of the study may be useful for further research into cognitive and cultural differences, as well as for the practice of intercultural communication and translation.