道德

• Pinyin: dào dé
• Hanzi breakdown: 道 = 辶 (walk) + 首 (head/first); 德 = 彳 (step) + 心 (heart) + 直 (straight)

Meaning

Morality; ethics; moral principles. Standards of right and wrong behavior in society.

A core concept in Chinese philosophy, central to Confucian thought. Encompasses personal virtue, social ethics, and proper conduct. Common compounds include 道德观 (moral outlook), 道德标准 (moral standards), and 职业道德 (professional ethics).

Examples

1. 作为公众人物，更应该注意自己的道德修养。 As a public figure, one should pay more attention to moral cultivation.
2. 这种行为严重违反了基本的社会道德。 This kind of behavior seriously violates basic social ethics.
3. 学校应该重视学生的道德教育。 Schools should emphasize students' moral education.

Usage Guide

Context: philosophy, education, society

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 这是道德问题。(This is a moral issue.)
• 他是一个有道德的人。(He is a person with morals.)

Don't Say

• 轻率地给别人贴'没道德'标签可能冒犯人——除非行为确实严重违背伦理 (Casually labeling someone as 没道德 can be offensive — unless the behavior genuinely violates ethics)

Origin & History

Classical compound from 道 (the Way, principle) + 德 (virtue), fundamental concepts in Chinese philosophy.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal