守正不阿
守正不阿 (shǒu zhèng bù ē) literally means “keep right no flattery” and expresses “keep integrity without compromise”. 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: shou zheng bu e, shou zheng bu e,守正不阿 meaning, 守正不阿 in english
Keep integrity without compromise
Pronunciation: shǒu zhèng bù ē
Literal meaning: Keep right no flattery
Origin & Usage
Emerging from Han Dynasty political discourse, this phrase combines maintaining righteousness (守正) with refusing to flatter or compromise principles (不阿). The term gained prominence during a period of intense political intrigue, where court officials faced pressure to abandon principles for personal gain. The character 阿 (flattery) originally depicted a person bending in submission, making the imagery particularly vivid. Contemporary usage celebrates ethical integrity in challenging situations, particularly in professional or political contexts where standing firm against corruption or unethical practices requires moral courage.
Examples
English: "The journalist reported the truth despite political pressure"
Chinese: 记者不顾政治压力报道了真相
Discover a new Chinese idiom every day with our iOS app.
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about relationships & character
不远千里
bù yuǎn qiān lǐ
Willingly travel far; make great efforts
Learn more →
朝思暮想
zhāo sī mù xiǎng
Think about constantly; yearn for
Learn more →
魂牵梦萦
hún qiān mèng yíng
Yearn day and night
Learn more →
恋恋不舍
liàn liàn bù shě
Be deeply reluctant to leave
Learn more →
依依不舍
yī yī bù shě
Be reluctant to part
Learn more →
难分难舍
nán fēn nán shě
Be inseparable; hate to part
Learn more →
海枯石烂
hǎi kū shí làn
Until the end of time; eternal love
Learn more →
一见钟情
yī jiàn zhōng qíng
Love at first sight
Learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 守正不阿 mean in English?
守正不阿 (shǒu zhèng bù ē) literally translates to “Keep right no flattery” and is used to express “Keep integrity without compromise”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 守正不阿 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving keep integrity without compromise.
What is the pinyin for 守正不阿?
The pinyin pronunciation for 守正不阿 is “shǒu zhèng bù ē”.