君子

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

뜻

군자(덕망 있는 사람)

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).

예문

1. 古人云，君子坦荡荡，小人长戚戚。
2. 他是个真君子，从不背后说人坏话。
3. 君子爱财取之有道，不义之财我们不能要。

사용 가이드

맥락: philosophy, morality, traditional values, praise

어조: elevated

올바른 표현

• 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.)

피해야 할 표현

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

기원과 역사

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.

문화적 배경

시대: Confucian classics, Spring and Autumn period onwards

세대: All ages

사회적 배경: Universal