When combined, the literal meaning is “Talent is sparse, and learning is shallow.” This creates a powerful and vivid image of intellectual humility, painting a picture of someone who acknowledges that their well of knowledge is not as deep as it could be.
The idiom 才疏学浅 is deeply rooted in the traditional Chinese value of 谦虚 (qiānxū) - modesty or humility. In Confucian-influenced societies, humility is not seen as a weakness but as a virtue. It reflects self-awareness, respect for others, and a commitment to lifelong learning. A useful comparison is to the concept of the “humblebrag” in Western culture. While a humblebrag is often a disguised boast (“Ugh, I'm so tired from my two-week business trip to Paris”), 才疏学浅 is a sincere (or at least, socially expected) expression of deference. In an American business meeting, one might say, “As the expert on this topic, I believe we should…” to establish authority. In a similar Chinese context, a person might begin with, “在下才疏学浅，就先抛砖引玉，谈谈我的一些不成熟的看法” (Zàixià cái shū xué qiǎn, jiù xiān pāozhuānyǐnyù, tántan wǒ de yīxiē bù chéngshú de kànfǎ) — “My own talent is scant and my learning shallow, so I'll just offer a few of my immature thoughts to get the ball rolling.” This act of lowering one's own status creates a harmonious atmosphere, encourages others to speak, and shows respect for the collective wisdom of the group over individual brilliance. It is a social ritual that signals cultural fluency.
This is a formal and literary phrase. You would not use it while chatting with friends about movies or sports. Its use is reserved for specific, more serious contexts.
The connotation is always self-deprecating. Crucially, you should never use 才疏学浅 to describe another person, as it would be a direct and severe insult, implying they are incompetent and ignorant.