人道

• Pinyin: rén dào
• Hanzi breakdown: 人 = 人 (person — a standing human figure); 道 = 辶 + 首 (walk + head — the way/path)

Meaning

Humanity; humanitarianism; humane; the way of being human. Refers to humanitarian principles, humane treatment, or the moral path of human conduct.

Central to discussions of ethics and international law: 人道主义 (humanitarianism), 人道援助 (humanitarian aid), 人道待遇 (humane treatment). In traditional Chinese philosophy, 人道 contrasts with 天道 (the way of heaven) as the moral path humans should follow.

Examples

1. 国际红十字会致力于在全球范围内开展人道主义救援行动，帮助受灾民众渡过难关。 The International Committee of the Red Cross is dedicated to humanitarian relief efforts worldwide, helping disaster victims through difficult times.
2. 无论在任何情况下，战俘都应当受到符合国际公约规定的人道待遇。 No matter the circumstances, prisoners of war should receive humane treatment in accordance with international conventions.
3. 他以人道主义精神为指引，多年来默默资助了数百名贫困学生完成学业。 Guided by humanitarian principles, he has quietly funded the education of hundreds of impoverished students over many years.

Usage Guide

Context: ethics, international law, philosophy, humanitarian work

Tone: moral

Do Say

• 面对难民危机，国际社会应当秉持人道主义精神，伸出援手，共同应对这一全球性挑战。(Facing the refugee crisis, the international community should uphold the humanitarian spirit, extend a helping hand, and jointly address this global challenge.)
• 出于人道考量，法院决定对这名身患重病的被告适用缓刑，以便其接受必要的治疗。(Out of humanitarian considerations, the court decided to apply probation to this defendant who is seriously ill, so that they can receive necessary treatment.)

Don't Say

• 这很人道 — sounds incomplete; use 这很人道主义 or 这是符合人道精神的 instead

Origin & History

人 (human/person) + 道 (way/path/principle)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal