见义勇为

• Pinyin: jiàn yì yǒng wéi
• Hanzi breakdown: 见 = to see; 义 = 羊 (sheep, moral) + 我 — righteousness; 勇 = 甬 + 力 (strength) — brave; 为 = to do

Meaning

To act bravely for a righteous cause; to step up and do the right thing. Courageous intervention to help others.

An idiom praising those who bravely help others in danger or stand up against wrongdoing, often at personal risk. In modern China, people who engage in 见义勇为 may receive official recognition and awards. Considered a traditional virtue.

Examples

1. 那位见义勇为的市民被授予了'城市英雄'称号。 The citizen who bravely helped was awarded the title of 'City Hero.
2. 路人见义勇为，合力制服了正在行凶的歹徒。 Passersby stepped up courageously and together subdued the criminal who was attacking.
3. 我们应该鼓励见义勇为的精神，但也要注意保护自身安全。 We should encourage the spirit of stepping up for justice, but also need to protect our own safety.

Usage Guide

Context: news, official, praise

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 这种见义勇为的精神值得表彰。(This spirit of courageous action for justice deserves recognition.)
• 他因见义勇为而受伤，医药费由政府承担。(He was injured while helping others, and the government covered his medical expenses.)

Don't Say

• 鼓励在危险情况下鲁莽行动 (Don't encourage reckless action in dangerous situations — 见义勇为 should be balanced with 保护自身安全 self-protection)

Origin & History

From the Analerta of Confucius: '见义不为，无勇也' — 'To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage.' The idiom evolved to praise those who do act courageously.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal