负荆请罪
负荆请罪 (fù jīng qǐng zuì) literally means “carry thorns request punishment” and expresses “sincerely admit fault and accept consequences”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character.
Also searched as: fu jing qing zui, fu jing qing zui,负荆请罪 meaning, 负荆请罪 in english
Sincerely admit fault and accept consequences
Pronunciation: fù jīng qǐng zuì Literal meaning: Carry thorns request punishment
Origin & Usage
The Records of the Grand Historian tells how the general Lian Po, resentful that the diplomat Lin Xiangru had been promoted above him, repeatedly sought to humiliate him. Lin avoided every confrontation, explaining that if Zhao's two most capable servants fought each other, only Qin would profit. When this reached Lian Po, he stripped to the waist, carried a bundle of thorns (负荆) on his back to Lin's gate, and asked to be punished (请罪). The two became close allies. It is Lian Po who bears the thorns, and the gesture carries because it costs him his pride.
Examples
English: "The executive publicly apologized for the company's environmental violations"
Chinese: 这位高管公开为公司的环境违规道歉
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about relationships & character
恶贯满盈
è guàn mǎn yíng
Accumulated evil deeds ripe for punishment
Learn more →
自食其果
zì shí qí guǒ
Reap what one sows; suffer consequences
Learn more →
卧薪尝胆
wò xīn cháng dǎn
Endure hardship for future success
Learn more →
披荆斩棘
pī jīng zhǎn jí
Overcome all obstacles
Learn more →
不卑不亢
bù bēi bù kàng
Maintain perfect dignified composure
Learn more →
恻隐之心
cè yǐn zhī xīn
Compassion; empathy for others
Learn more →
怒不可遏
nù bù kě è
Be furious beyond control
Learn more →
坦坦荡荡
tǎn tǎn dàng dàng
Live openly with clear conscience
Learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 负荆请罪 mean in English?
负荆请罪 (fù jīng qǐng zuì) literally translates to “Carry thorns request punishment” and is used to express “Sincerely admit fault and accept consequences”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 负荆请罪 used?
Situation: The executive publicly apologized for the company's environmental violations
What is the pinyin for 负荆请罪?
The pinyin pronunciation for 负荆请罪 is “fù jīng qǐng zuì”.
Curated Lists Featuring 负荆请罪
8 Chinese Idioms About Karma & Consequences
Thought-provoking Chinese idioms about karma, cause and effect, and reaping what you sow.
8 Chinese Idioms About Revenge & Retribution
Intense Chinese idioms about revenge, payback, and settling scores - expressions of determined vengeance.
8 Chinese Idioms About Forgiveness & Letting Go
Compassionate Chinese idioms about forgiveness, mercy, and the wisdom of letting go of grudges.