真理

• Pinyin: zhēn lǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 真 = true/real; 理 = principle/reason

Meaning

Truth; universal truth. A principle or fact that is accepted as being true.

Refers to fundamental truths, often philosophical, scientific, or moral. Common phrases: 追求真理 (pursue the truth), 真理越辩越明 (truth becomes clearer through debate), 实践是检验真理的唯一标准 (practice is the sole criterion for testing truth).

Examples

1. 科学家们一直在探索宇宙的真理。 Scientists have always been exploring the truths of the universe.
2. 实践是检验真理的唯一标准。 Practice is the sole criterion for testing truth.
3. 真理往往掌握在少数人手中。 Truth is often held in the hands of the few.

Usage Guide

Context: philosophy, science, academia

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 真理需要时间来证明。(Truth needs time to be proven.)
• 他一生都在追求真理。(He spent his whole life pursuing truth.)

Don't Say

• 小真理 (真理 is usually used for fundamental truths — for small facts, use 事实 or 道理)

Origin & History

Compound of 真 (true, real) and 理 (principle, reason). True principle.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal