天经地义

• Pinyin: tiān jīng dì yì
• Hanzi breakdown: 天 = heaven; 经 = 糸 (silk) + 巠 — constant, scripture; 地 = earth; 义 = righteousness

Meaning

A matter of course; perfectly natural and right; unquestionable.

Describes something considered so naturally right that it requires no justification. Originally referred to the unchanging laws of heaven and earth. Now used to express that something is completely self-evident, proper, or expected.

Examples

1. 赡养父母是天经地义的事，不需要任何理由。 Supporting one's parents is a matter of course — no reason needed.
2. 他觉得别人帮他是天经地义的，从不说谢谢。 He thinks it's only natural for others to help him and never says thank you.
3. 在过去，男主外女主内被认为是天经地义的，现在这种观念已经改变了。 In the past, men working outside and women managing the home was considered natural and proper — now this view has changed.

Usage Guide

Context: values, ethics, social norms

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 这是天经地义的事。(This goes without saying.)
• 孝顺父母天经地义。(Respecting parents is a matter of course.)

Don't Say

• 为自私行为辩护时用'天经地义' (Don't use 天经地义 to justify selfish behavior — it's for genuine moral principles)

Origin & History

From ancient texts: 经 means constant principles, 义 means righteousness — the eternal principles of heaven and earth.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal