善良

• Pinyin: shàn liáng
• Hanzi breakdown: 善 = 羊 (sheep/gentle) + additional strokes — goodness, virtue; 良 = a grain-sorting tool — refined, good quality

Meaning

Kind-hearted; good-natured. Describes a person with a genuinely kind and gentle character.

A strong positive character trait describing innate goodness and compassion. Common in character descriptions, moral discussions, and when praising someone's nature. Deeply valued in Chinese culture and Confucian tradition.

Examples

1. 她是一个非常善良的人，总是帮助别人。 She is a very kind-hearted person who always helps others.
2. 善良的人到哪里都会受到欢迎。 Kind-hearted people are welcomed wherever they go.
3. 父母教育孩子要做一个善良的人。 Parents teach their children to be kind-hearted people.

Usage Guide

Context: character description, moral values, everyday

Tone: warm

Do Say

• 他很善良，经常捐钱给慈善机构。(He is very kind-hearted and often donates to charity.)
• 这个世界上善良的人还是很多的。(There are still many kind-hearted people in this world.)

Don't Say

• 他做生意很善良 meaning 'he is good at business' (善良 describes moral character, not skill — for business ability, say 他做生意很有能力 or 很厉害)

Origin & History

Compound of 善 (good, virtuous — from 羊 sheep, symbolising gentleness) and 良 (fine, good) — doubly emphasising goodness and virtue.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal