[ cái shū xué qiǎn ]

Most commonly used as a self-deprecating remark, describing one to have little talent, uneducated, or possess little or limited knowledge. The tone projected is often one of trying to decline politely or to make concessions for a likely offensive opinion coming up in the conversation. In effect, it is quite similar to saying “Forgive my ignorance…” when used in conversation.

才：才能、能力 ; aptitude, capability

疏：不足、缺少 ; insufficient, lacking

學：學識、知識 ; knowledge, learning

淺：淺薄、膚淺 ; superficial, shallow

The original classical Chinese text can be found in the Book of Han 085 chapter biography of Gu Jung