- 人情世故 rénqíngshìgù worldly wisdomThe knowledge of social norms, human relations, and the practical skills required to navigate society effectively.
- 老于世故 lǎoyúshìgù worldly-wiseexperienced in the ways of the world; sophisticated and shrewd in social dealings
- 不谙世故 bù'ānshìgù unworldlylacking experience in the ways of the world or social conventions; naive and unsophisticated