君子

• 拼音: jūn zǐ
• 汉字拆解: 君 = 尹 (to govern) + 口 (mouth) — ruler, lord; 子 = pictograph of a child — son, person

含义

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).

例句

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。

用法指南

语境: philosophy, morality, traditional values, praise

语气: elevated

正确说法

• 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.)

错误说法

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

起源与历史

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.

文化背景

时代: Confucian classics, Spring and Autumn period onwards

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal