见义勇为
见义勇为 (jiàn yì yǒng wéi) literally means “see righteousness, act bravely” and expresses “courageous moral action”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character.
Also searched as: jian yi yong wei, jian yi yong wei,见义勇为 meaning, 见义勇为 in english
Courageous moral action
Pronunciation: jiàn yì yǒng wéi Literal meaning: See righteousness, act bravely
Origin & Usage
Commonly used in classical Chinese, the idiom 见义勇为 (jiàn yì yǒng wéi) describes the act of seeing (见, jiàn) a righteous deed (义, yì) and courageously (勇, yǒng) acting (为, wéi) upon it. The phrase emphasizes the moral character of individuals who, without any legal obligation, step forward to protect others or uphold justice, often at personal risk. This idiom is deeply rooted in Confucian values, highlighting the importance of righteousness and bravery. In modern times, it is used to commend those who take bold actions to prevent harm or injustice, reflecting a societal appreciation for selfless acts of valor.
Examples
English: "He is known for his courage in defending those who are wronged."
Chinese: 他以见义勇为而闻名，常常为受害者辩护。
Related Chinese Idioms
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yī mú yī yàng
Exactly identical
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以心换心
yǐ xīn huàn xīn
Treat others as yourself
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海纳百川
hǎi nà bǎi chuān
Accept all with open mind
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以和为贵
yǐ hé wéi guì
Value harmony above all
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同舟共济
tóng zhōu gòng jì
Face challenges together
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fēng yǔ tóng zhōu
Share hardships together
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chūn fēng huà yǔ
Gentle, nurturing influence
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hú jiǎ hǔ wēi
Borrow authority to intimidate
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 见义勇为 mean in English?
见义勇为 (jiàn yì yǒng wéi) literally translates to “See righteousness, act bravely” and is used to express “Courageous moral action”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 见义勇为 used?
Situation: He is known for his courage in defending those who are wronged.
What is the pinyin for 见义勇为?
The pinyin pronunciation for 见义勇为 is “jiàn yì yǒng wéi”.
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