不正之风

• Pinyin: bù zhèng zhī fēng
• Hanzi breakdown: 不 = not; 正 = upright/correct; 之 = possessive particle; 风 = wind/custom

Meaning

Unhealthy tendencies; corrupt practices; bad social atmosphere.

A formal term for negative practices in society, organizations, or government. Common in political discourse about anti-corruption, workplace culture reform, and social criticism. Often appears in official documents and news.

Examples

1. 公司决心整顿内部的不正之风，营造清廉的工作环境。 The company is determined to rectify internal corrupt practices and create an honest work environment.
2. 反对形式主义和官僚主义，纠正行业中的不正之风。 Oppose formalism and bureaucratism — correct unhealthy tendencies in the industry.
3. 学术界的不正之风严重损害了科研诚信。 Corrupt practices in academia have seriously damaged research integrity.

Usage Guide

Context: political, organizational, reform

Tone: critical

Do Say

• 必须坚决抵制不正之风。(We must firmly resist unhealthy tendencies.)
• 整治不正之风是一项长期任务。(Rectifying corrupt practices is a long-term task.)

Don't Say

• 我讨厌不正之风的天气。(Don't confuse this with actual weather — it's a metaphor for social practices)

Origin & History

不正 (improper, crooked) + 之 (of) + 风 (wind/atmosphere). Crooked winds, meaning corrupt practices.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Professional/Official