尊老爱幼
尊老爱幼 (zūn lǎo ài yòu) literally means “respect the old, love the young” and expresses “intergenerational harmony”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character.
Also searched as: zun lao ai you, zun lao ai you,尊老爱幼 meaning, 尊老爱幼 in english
Intergenerational harmony
Pronunciation: zūn lǎo ài yòu Literal meaning: Respect the old, love the young
Origin & Usage
The idiom 尊老爱幼 (zūn lǎo ài yòu) is commonly used in classical Chinese literature to emphasize the moral virtues of respecting the elderly (尊, respect) and caring for the young (爱, love). While the exact origin of this phrase is not tied to a specific historical event, it embodies a long-standing cultural value in Chinese society. This concept is deeply rooted in Confucian teachings, which advocate for harmonious family relationships and social stability. The idiom paints a vivid picture of a society where elders are honored and children are nurtured, reflecting the ideal of a caring and respectful community. In modern usage, it serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining these virtues in everyday life, promoting intergenerational harmony and moral integrity.
Examples
English: "In our community, we practice respect for the elderly and kindness to children."
Chinese: 在我们的社区，尊老爱幼是大家共同遵守的原则。
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
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Accept all with open mind
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Value harmony above all
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Face challenges together
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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 尊老爱幼 mean in English?
尊老爱幼 (zūn lǎo ài yòu) literally translates to “Respect the old, love the young” and is used to express “Intergenerational harmony”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 尊老爱幼 used?
Situation: In our community, we practice respect for the elderly and kindness to children.
What is the pinyin for 尊老爱幼?
The pinyin pronunciation for 尊老爱幼 is “zūn lǎo ài yòu”.