明知故犯
明知故犯 (míng zhī gù fàn) literally means “clearly know yet deliberately violate” and expresses “knowingly commit a violation”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character.
Also searched as: ming zhi gu fan, ming zhi gu fan,明知故犯 meaning, 明知故犯 in english
Knowingly commit a violation
Pronunciation: míng zhī gù fàn Literal meaning: Clearly know yet deliberately violate
Origin & Usage
Knowing perfectly well (明知) and committing the offence deliberately (故犯) all the same. Chinese legal thinking has always separated the wrong done in ignorance from the wrong done with the rule in view, and this phrase names the second. What it adds is not wickedness but a particular contempt: the rule was consulted and then set aside. Somebody who cannot claim they did not know — the standard aggravating phrase, and a person described this way is not being accused of carelessness.
Examples
English: "He knowingly broke the rules despite understanding the consequences."
Chinese: 尽管知道后果，他还是明知故犯。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about relationships & character
秋毫无犯
qiū háo wú fàn
Show strict discipline; not take anything
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温故知新
wēn gù zhī xīn
Learn new through studying old
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不择手段
bú zé shǒu duàn
Use any means regardless of ethics
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自以为是
zì yǐ wéi shì
Self-righteous; opinionated
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言过其实
yán guò qí shí
Exaggerate; overstate
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沽名钓誉
gū míng diào yù
Seek fame through calculated actions
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暗箭伤人
àn jiàn shāng rén
Covert attacks avoiding direct confrontation
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捕风捉影
bǔ fēng zhuō yǐng
Make accusations without solid evidence
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 明知故犯 mean in English?
明知故犯 (míng zhī gù fàn) literally translates to “Clearly know yet deliberately violate” and is used to express “Knowingly commit a violation”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 明知故犯 used?
Situation: He knowingly broke the rules despite understanding the consequences.
What is the pinyin for 明知故犯?
The pinyin pronunciation for 明知故犯 is “míng zhī gù fàn”.