君子

• Pinyin: jūn zǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 君 = 尹 (to govern) + 口 (mouth) — ruler, lord; 子 = pictograph of a child — son, person

Meaning

Gentleman; a person of noble character; a virtuous person.

A key concept in Confucian philosophy referring to an ideal person of moral integrity, cultivation, and social responsibility. Originally meant 'ruler's son' but evolved to describe anyone who embodies virtue regardless of birth. Contrasted with 小人 (petty person). Appears in many proverbs and expressions: 君子之交淡如水 (a gentleman's friendship is plain as water), 君子一言驷马难追 (a gentleman's word is his bond).

Examples

1. 古人云，君子坦荡荡，小人长戚戚。 The ancients said: a gentleman is open and poised; a petty person is always anxious and worried.
2. 他是个真君子，从不背后说人坏话。 He is a true gentleman — he never speaks ill of people behind their backs.
3. 君子爱财取之有道，不义之财我们不能要。 A gentleman loves wealth but acquires it through proper means — we must not take ill-gotten gains.

Usage Guide

Context: philosophy, morality, traditional values, praise

Tone: elevated

Do Say

• 君子一言驷马难追。(A gentleman's word is his bond — once spoken, even four horses cannot catch it.)
• 他为人正派，堪称君子。(He is upright in character — a true gentleman.)

Don't Say

• 她是个女君子。(君子 is traditionally masculine; for a virtuous woman, use 淑女 or simply describe her virtues directly)

Origin & History

君 (ruler, monarch — from 尹 governing + 口 mouth) + 子 (son, person). Originally 'son of a ruler,' evolved in Confucian thought to mean any morally cultivated person.

Cultural Context

Era: Confucian classics, Spring and Autumn period onwards

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal