问心无愧

Pronunciation: wèn xīn wú kuì Literal meaning: Ask heart without guilt

Origin & Usage

Commonly used in classical Chinese literature, the idiom 问心无愧 (wèn xīn wú kuì) conveys a sense of moral integrity and self-assurance. The phrase literally translates to 'ask one's heart without guilt,' and it implies that upon introspection, one finds no reason for shame or remorse. The characters break down as follows: 问 (wèn, ask), 心 (xīn, heart), 无 (wú, without), and 愧 (kuì, guilt). This idiom is often used to describe someone who acts with a clear conscience, confident that they have done nothing wrong. It is a testament to living truthfully and ethically, ensuring that one's actions align with personal and societal values. In modern contexts, it encourages individuals to act with integrity and remain true to their principles, regardless of external judgments.

Examples

English: "She felt a sense of peace knowing she had acted with integrity in the situation."

Chinese: 她心里问心无愧，知道自己在这个问题上做得很对。