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有德
yǒu dé
virtuous
他是一个有德之人，总是帮助他人。
He is a virtuous person who always helps others.
formal
Possessing moral integrity or virtue; morally upright.
古人云：‘有德者必有言，有言者不必有德。’
As the ancients said: 'Those with virtue speak wisely, but those who speak wisely are not necessarily virtuous.'
她因有德行而受到村民的尊敬。
She is respected by the villagers for her virtue.
Commonly used in classical Chinese texts and modern formal contexts to describe individuals with high moral standards.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Matters
有德 is often paired with terms like 君子 (noble person) or 长者 (elder) to emphasize moral authority. For example, 有德君子 (virtuous noble person).
Gold Rule
Formal Tone
Use 有德 in formal or literary contexts. In everyday speech, consider 好心 (kind-hearted) or 品德好 (good moral character) instead.
Word Origin
The term combines 有 (yǒu, 'to have') and 德 (dé, 'virtue' or 'moral character'), tracing back to classical Chinese philosophy (e.g., Confucian texts like the Book of Rites). The concept emphasizes the Confucian ideal of moral cultivation.
Usage Notes
Primarily used in written Chinese or formal speech. Avoid using in casual conversation unless quoting classical phrases.
Word Breakdown
有
to have; to possess
root德
virtue; moral character
root汉英词典