是非黑白

shì fēi hēi bái◆idiom

distinction between right and wrong

我们应该明辨是非黑白，不要被表象迷惑。

We should distinguish right from wrong and not be misled by appearances.

◆ What It Really Means

the absolute distinction between moral correctness and incorrectness, truth and falsehood

¶ Literal Meaning

right/wrong and black/white

Literal Breakdown

是right/correct+非wrong/incorrect+黑black (symbolizing darkness/falsity)+白white (symbolizing clarity/truth)

◇ Mental Image

A stark contrast between light and dark, representing moral clarity versus confusion.

◈ When to Use

A teacher correcting a student's ethical dilemma, saying, 'You must understand the 是非黑白 of this situation.'

◉ Cultural Note

Rooted in Confucian values, where moral integrity is paramount. The idiom reflects the traditional Chinese emphasis on righteousness and clarity in judgment.

formal

the clear distinction between right and wrong, truth and falsehood

法官必须秉持是非黑白的原则，公正判案。

Judges must uphold the principle of distinguishing right from wrong to deliver fair verdicts.

Often used in moral, legal, or ethical contexts to emphasize objectivity.

Collocations

明辨是非黑白clearly distinguish right from wrong不分是非黑白fail to distinguish right from wrong

Synonyms

黑白分明泾渭分明

Antonyms

混淆是非颠倒黑白

Related Phrases

黑白分明idiom

clear distinction between right and wrong

颠倒黑白idiom

deliberately confuse right and wrong

Pro Tip

Usage in Arguments

Use 是非黑白 to emphasize objectivity when discussing moral or ethical dilemmas. It is not suitable for subjective opinions.

Gold Rule

Literal vs. Figurative Meaning

是非黑白 is figurative—it refers to moral clarity, not the literal colors black and white.

Word Origin

From the Confucian classic 'Book of Rites' (礼记), emphasizing moral clarity. The phrase combines '是非' (right and wrong) and '黑白' (black and white) to symbolize absolute moral judgment.

Usage Notes

Commonly used in formal or educational contexts to advocate for ethical clarity. Avoid using it in casual or sarcastic contexts.

Word Breakdown

是非

right and wrong

compound

黑白

black and white (symbolizing truth and falsehood)

compound

汉英词典

是非黑白

shì fēi hēi bái◆idiom

distinction between right and wrong

我们应该明辨是非黑白，不要被表象迷惑。

We should distinguish right from wrong and not be misled by appearances.

◆ What It Really Means

the absolute distinction between moral correctness and incorrectness, truth and falsehood

¶ Literal Meaning

right/wrong and black/white

Literal Breakdown

是right/correct+非wrong/incorrect+黑black (symbolizing darkness/falsity)+白white (symbolizing clarity/truth)

◇ Mental Image

A stark contrast between light and dark, representing moral clarity versus confusion.

◈ When to Use

A teacher correcting a student's ethical dilemma, saying, 'You must understand the 是非黑白 of this situation.'

◉ Cultural Note

Rooted in Confucian values, where moral integrity is paramount. The idiom reflects the traditional Chinese emphasis on righteousness and clarity in judgment.

formal

the clear distinction between right and wrong, truth and falsehood

法官必须秉持是非黑白的原则，公正判案。

Judges must uphold the principle of distinguishing right from wrong to deliver fair verdicts.

Often used in moral, legal, or ethical contexts to emphasize objectivity.

Collocations

明辨是非黑白clearly distinguish right from wrong不分是非黑白fail to distinguish right from wrong

Synonyms

黑白分明泾渭分明

Antonyms

混淆是非颠倒黑白

Related Phrases

黑白分明idiom

clear distinction between right and wrong

颠倒黑白idiom

deliberately confuse right and wrong

Pro Tip

Usage in Arguments

Use 是非黑白 to emphasize objectivity when discussing moral or ethical dilemmas. It is not suitable for subjective opinions.

Gold Rule

Literal vs. Figurative Meaning

是非黑白 is figurative—it refers to moral clarity, not the literal colors black and white.

Word Origin

From the Confucian classic 'Book of Rites' (礼记), emphasizing moral clarity. The phrase combines '是非' (right and wrong) and '黑白' (black and white) to symbolize absolute moral judgment.

Usage Notes

Commonly used in formal or educational contexts to advocate for ethical clarity. Avoid using it in casual or sarcastic contexts.

Word Breakdown

是非

right and wrong

compound

黑白

black and white (symbolizing truth and falsehood)

compound

汉英词典