The story of 遜

modest, inferior

遜 is composed of the BuShou of 辵 (walk) and 孫 (grandson). 辵 has the meaning of walking, 孫 means grandson or grandchildren, the seniority of grandchildren are low, according to ancient Chinese tradition, they should step back when they meet their elders. The original meaning of 遜 is avoidance, and later it derives the meaning of modesty and incompetence.