光明磊落
光明磊落 (guāng míng lěi luò) literally means “bright, clear, and upright” and expresses “be open and aboveboard”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: guang ming lei luo, guang ming lei luo,光明磊落 meaning, 光明磊落 in english
Be open and aboveboard
Pronunciation: guāng míng lěi luò
Literal meaning: Bright, clear, and upright
Origin & Usage
This idiom describes being bright (光明) and upright (磊落). The character 磊 shows three stones stacked, representing solidity and openness. The phrase depicts someone with nothing to hide, whose character is transparent and honorable. Modern usage describes people of integrity whose actions can withstand scrutiny, who act openly without hidden agendas.
Examples
English: "His straightforward character earned him everyone's trust."
Chinese: 他光明磊落的性格赢得了大家的信任。
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 光明磊落 mean in English?
光明磊落 (guāng míng lěi luò) literally translates to “Bright, clear, and upright” and is used to express “Be open and aboveboard”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 光明磊落 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving be open and aboveboard.
What is the pinyin for 光明磊落?
The pinyin pronunciation for 光明磊落 is “guāng míng lěi luò”.