不穀

不穀

1. (literary, humble) I; "not good", (reserved for use by the king)

   • 公子若反晉國，則何以報不穀？ [Classical Chinese, trad.]
     公子若反晋国，则何以报不穀？ [Classical Chinese, simp.]

     From: Commentary of Zuo, c. 4^th century BCE

     Gōngzǐ ruò fǎn Jìnguó, zé héyǐ bào bùgǔ? [Pinyin]

     If you succeed in returning to Jin, how will you repay me?

   • 王曰：“不穀之國家，蠡之國家也。蠡其圖之！” [Classical Chinese, trad.]
     王曰：“不穀之国家，蠡之国家也。蠡其图之！” [Classical Chinese, simp.]

     From: Guoyu, circa 4^th century BCE

     Wáng yuē: “Bùgǔ zhī guójiā, Lǐ zhī guójiā yě. Lǐ qí tú zhī!” [Pinyin]

     Goujian said [to Fan Li], "My state is also your state. You should make plans as to how to administer it."

   • 不穀國雖小，已悉發之矣。願大國遂肆志於秦，不穀將以楚殉韓。 [Classical Chinese, trad.]
     不穀国虽小，已悉发之矣。愿大国遂肆志于秦，不穀将以楚殉韩。 [Classical Chinese, simp.]

     From: The Records of the Grand Historian, by Sima Qian, c. 91 BCE

     Bùgǔ guó suī xiǎo, yǐ xī fā zhī yǐ. Yuàn dàguó suì sì zhì yú Qín, bùgǔ jiāng yǐ Chǔ xùn Hán. [Pinyin]

     Even though my country is small, we have already dispatched all of our troops. I hope your country can fight against Qin at will; I will sacrifice the State of Chu for Han.

Mostly used by the viscounts and kings of the States of Chu and Yue.

• 寡人 (guǎrén)
• 孤 (gū)