公道

• Pinyin: gōng dao
• Hanzi breakdown: 公 = 八 + 厶 (impartial); 道 = 辶 + 首 (principle, way)

Meaning

Fair; just; reasonable. Describes a price, treatment, or outcome that is equitable and impartial.

Used both as an adjective (公道的价格 — a fair price) and as a noun (主持公道 — to uphold justice). Carries a moral weight suggesting not just legal correctness but ethical fairness perceived by society.

Examples

1. 这家店的价格公道，童叟无欺。 This shop’s prices are fair, and they treat every customer honestly.
2. 他一向敢于主持公道，深受同事尊重。 He has always been willing to stand up for what’s fair, and he’s deeply respected by his colleagues.
3. 裁判的判决是否公道，引发了广泛争议。 Whether the referee’s decision was fair sparked widespread controversy.

Usage Guide

Context: ethics, commerce, social commentary

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 这个处理结果对双方来说都是公道的。(This outcome is fair to both parties.)
• 你来评评理，看看谁说得公道。(You be the judge — see whose account is more just.)

Don't Say

• 公道 when the context is legal procedure — use 公正 or 公平 for formal legal fairness

Origin & History

公 (public/impartial) + 道 (principle/way)

Cultural Context

Era: Traditional–Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal