|
Term |
Meaning / origin |
Original explanation in Classical Chinese |
Translated explanation in English |
|
哀
Āi |
"Lamentable" |
蚤孤短折曰哀 |
One who loses their spouse and passes away at an early age is called "lamentable" |
| 恭仁短折曰哀 |
One who is cautious and benevolent but passes away at an early age is called "lamentable" |
| 德之不建曰哀 |
One who is immoral is called "lamentable" |
| 遭難已甚曰哀 |
One who experiences tremendous misery is called "lamentable" |
| 處死非義曰哀 |
One who dies of unnatural causes is called "lamentable" |
|
安
Ān |
"Peaceful" |
好和不爭曰安 |
One who values peace and does not seek confrontation is called "peaceful" |
| 兆民寧賴曰安 |
One who brings peace to the society is called "peaceful" |
| 寬容平和曰安 |
One who is tolerant and gentle is called "peaceful" |
| 寬裕和平曰安 |
One who is affluent and harmonious is called "peaceful" |
| 所保惟賢曰安 |
One who respects virtuous individuals is called "peaceful" |
| 中心宅仁曰安 |
One who is kind and benevolent is called "peaceful" |
| 修己寧民曰安 |
One who self-cultivates and brings stability to the society is called "peaceful" |
| 務德不爭曰安 |
One who upholds morality and does not seek confrontation is called "peaceful" |
| 莊敬盡禮曰安 |
One who is respectful and spares no effort in abiding rituals is called "peaceful" |
| 敬而有禮曰安 |
One who is respectful and polite is called "peaceful" |
| 貌肅辭定曰安 |
One who dresses adequately and speaks respectfully is called "peaceful" |
| 止於義理曰安 |
One who pursues righteousness and principles is called "peaceful" |
| 恭德不勞曰安 |
One who is courteous and does not trouble others is called "peaceful" |
| 靜正不遷曰安 |
One who is calm and does not enforce changes wilfully is called "peaceful" |
| 懿恭中禮曰安 |
One who is courteous and upholds rituals adequately is called "peaceful" |
| 凝重合禮曰安 |
One who is dignified and abides by proper rituals is called "peaceful" |
|
比
Bǐ |
"Emulous" |
擇善而從曰比 |
One who learns from and performs kind deeds is called "emulous" |
| 事君有黨曰比 |
One who identifies with those congenial is called "emulous" |
|
成
Chéng |
"Accomplished" |
安民立政曰成 |
One who brings peace to the society and establishes principles for politics is called "accomplished" |
| 刑民克服曰成 |
One who executes law to establish societal order is called "accomplished" |
| 佐相克終曰成 |
One who assists others and achieves great results is called "accomplished" |
| 制義克服曰成 |
One who establishes hierarchy and societal order is called "accomplished" |
| 禮樂明具曰成 |
One who establishes rituals is called "accomplished" |
| 持盈守滿曰成 |
One who achieves great deeds but remains true to inherent qualities is called "accomplished" |
| 遂物之美曰成 |
One who achieves beautiful outcomes is called "accomplished" |
| 通達強立曰成 |
One who is powerful and upright is called "accomplished" |
| 經德秉德曰成 |
One who is wise, brave, restraint and righteous is called "accomplished" |
| 民和神福曰成 |
One who brings peace to the society and is worthy of divine protection is called "accomplished" |
| 道兼聖智曰成 |
One who is wise and conscious is called "accomplished" |
| 夙夜警戒曰成 |
One who is incessantly prudent is called "accomplished" |
| 曲直赴禮曰成 |
One who upholds rituals without excuse is called "accomplished" |
| 仁化純被曰成 |
One who is enlightened and pure is called "accomplished" |
| 不忘久要曰成 |
One who honors promises is called "accomplished" |
| 德備禮樂曰成 |
One who is moral and abides by rituals is called "accomplished" |
| 德見於行曰成 |
One who acts morally is called "accomplished" |
| 久道化隆曰成 |
One who advocates great enlightenment is called "accomplished" |
| 內德純備曰成 |
One who is spiritually pure and perfect is called "accomplished" |
| 坤寧化洽曰成 |
One who is tranquil and enlightened is called "accomplished" |
|
誠
Chéng |
"Sincere" |
純德合天曰誠 |
One whose purity and morality conform to natural principles is called "sincere" |
| 從容中道曰誠 |
One who pursues moderation is called "sincere" |
| 推心御物曰誠 |
One who is honest about treasured thoughts is called "sincere" |
| 秉德純一曰誠 |
One who is virtuous and pure is called "sincere" |
| 明信率下曰誠 |
One who leads subordinates with earnest respect is called "sincere" |
| 肫篤無欺曰誠 |
One who is faithful and truthful is called "sincere" |
| 實心施惠曰誠 |
One who is genuinely charitable is called "sincere" |
|
沖
Chōng |
"Otiose" |
幼少在位曰沖 |
One who reigns at an early age is called "otiose" |
| 幼少短折曰沖 |
One who passes away at an early age is called "otiose" |
|
崇
Chóng |
"Lofty" |
能修其官曰崇 |
One who is competent in fulfilling responsibilities is called "lofty" |
|
純
Chún |
"Pure" |
中正精粹曰純 |
One who is impartial, upright and unsullied is called "pure" |
| 見素抱樸曰純 |
One who entrusts venerable individuals with governance and promotes nomocracy is called "pure" |
| 安危一心曰純 |
One who focuses on creating peace and stability is called "pure" |
| 志慮忠實曰純 |
One whose aspirations and thoughts are faithful is called "pure" |
| 至誠無息曰純 |
One whose beliefs are perennial is called "pure" |
| 內心和一曰純 |
One whose inner thoughts are non-conflicting is called "pure" |
| 治理精粹曰純 |
One who governs with unsullied intent is called "pure" |
|
慈
Cí |
"Merciful" |
視民如子曰慈 |
One who regards subjects as sons is called "merciful" |
| 愛育必周曰慈 |
One who meticulously care and educate is called "merciful" |
| 撫柔平恕曰慈 |
One who is gentle and benevolent is called "merciful" |
|
聰
Cōng |
"Intelligent" |
聲入心通曰聰 |
One who is able to comprehend the advice of venerable individuals is called "intelligent" |
| 邇言必察曰聰 |
One who heeds the advice of those on intimate terms is called "intelligent" |
|
達
Dá |
"Unprejudiced" |
質直好義曰達 |
One who is upright and righteous is called "unprejudiced" |
| 疏通中理曰達 |
One who is impartial is called "unprejudiced" |
|
大
Dà |
"Great" |
則天法堯曰大 |
One who follows heavenly principles and the ways of Yao is called "great" |
|
戴
Dài |
"Esteemed" |
愛民好治曰戴 |
One who cares for subjects and promotes good governance is called "esteemed" |
| 典禮不愆曰戴 |
One who abides by rituals and does not err is called "esteemed" |
|
蕩
Dàng |
"Dissolute" |
好內遠禮曰蕩 |
One who frequently patronizes concubines and does not abide by rituals is called "dissolute" |
| 狂而無據曰蕩 |
One who is uncultured and unrestrained is called "dissolute" |
|
悼
Dào |
"Mournful" |
肆行勞祀曰悼 |
One who behaves wantonly with no regard for rituals is called "mournful" |
| 中年早夭曰悼 |
One who passes away prematurely is called "mournful" |
| 恐懼從處曰悼 |
One who is vicious and causes the decline of the state is called "mournful" |
| 未中早夭曰悼 |
One who passes away at an early age is called "mournful" |
|
道
Dào |
"Principled" |
以德化民曰道 |
One who governs with kindness is called "principled" |
|
德
Dé |
"Virtuous" |
綏柔士民曰德 |
One who appeases the literati is called "virtuous" |
| 諫爭不威曰德 |
One who highlights the mistakes of others and urges their correction but is not haughty is called "virtuous" |
| 謀慮不威曰德 |
One who is meticulous but not haughty is called "virtuous" |
| 貴而好禮曰德 |
One who is patrician but not conceited and impertinent is called "virtuous" |
| 忠和純備曰德 |
One who is loyal, peaceful and pure is called "virtuous" |
| 綏懷來人曰德 |
One who appeases and shows concern for visitors is called "virtuous" |
| 強直溫柔曰德 |
One who is unyielding, upright and tender is called "virtuous" |
| 勤恤民隱曰德 |
One who shows concern for the people's sufferings is called "virtuous" |
| 忠誠上實曰德 |
One who is loyal and honest is called "virtuous" |
| 輔世長民曰德 |
One who assists the ruler in governance is called "virtuous" |
| 寬眾憂役曰德 |
One who is lenient and merciful is called "virtuous" |
| 剛塞簡廉曰德 |
One who leads a simple and incorrupt life is called "virtuous" |
| 惠和純淑曰德 |
One who is compassionate and kind is called "virtuous" |
| 富貴好禮曰德 |
One who is affluent but not conceited and impertinent is called "virtuous" |
| 功成民用曰德 |
One who accomplishes great deeds for the society is called "virtuous" |
| 修文來遠曰德 |
One whose civil governance attracts foreigners from afar is called "virtuous" |
| 睿智日新曰德 |
One who is farsighted and stays abreast of developments is called "virtuous" |
| 善政養民曰德 |
One who governs ethically and fosters societal stability is called "virtuous" |
| 尊賢親親曰德 |
One who respects and cherishes exemplary individuals is called "virtuous" |
| 仁而有化曰德 |
One who is benevolent and enlightened is called "virtuous" |
| 憂在進賢曰德 |
One who is interested in entrusting venerable individuals with governance is called "virtuous" |
| 寬栗擾毅曰德 |
One who is generous and persistent is called "virtuous" |
| 直溫強義曰德 |
One who is upright, gentle and righteous is called "virtuous" |
| 諫諍不違曰德 |
One who highlights the mistakes of others and urges their correction is called "virtuous" |
| 周旋中禮曰德 |
One whose actions and grooming conform to rituals is called "virtuous" |
| 澤及遐外曰德 |
One who bestows grace on uncultured and foreign peoples is called "virtuous" |
| 懿修罔懈曰德 |
One who behaves morally without negligence is called "virtuous" |
|
丁
Dīng |
"Unscrupulous" |
述善不克曰丁 |
One who is unfilial is called "unscrupulous" |
| 述義不悌曰丁 |
One who talks about morality but does not act accordingly is called "unscrupulous" |
| 迷而不悌曰丁 |
One who does not rectify mistakes is called "unscrupulous" |
|
鼎
Dǐng |
"Outstanding" |
追改前過曰鼎 |
One who identifies and rectifies prior mistakes is called "outstanding" |
|
定
Dìng |
"Resolute" |
大慮靜民曰定 |
One who ponders the means to achieve socio-psychological stability is called "resolute" |
| 安民大慮曰定 |
One who ponders the means to achieve socio-economic stability is called "resolute" |
| 純行不爽曰定 |
One who is morally upright without negligence is called "resolute" |
| 安民法古曰定 |
One who emulates the ancestors in creating societal stability is called "resolute" |
| 純行不二曰定 |
One whose actions do not deviate from moral principles is called "resolute" |
| 追補前過曰定 |
One who makes up for prior mistakes is called "resolute" |
| 仁能一眾曰定 |
One who treats all with benevolence is called "resolute" |
| 嗣成武功曰定 |
One who inherits military accomplishments from prior individuals is called "resolute" |
| 踐行不爽曰定 |
One who performs duties without negligence is called "resolute" |
| 審於事情曰定 |
One who investigates issues prudently is called "resolute" |
| 德操純固曰定 |
One whose morality and ethics are unwavering is called "resolute" |
| 以勞定國曰定 |
One who works tirelessly for national stability is called "resolute" |
| 克綏邦家曰定 |
One who brings peace to the state is called "resolute" |
| 靜正無為曰定 |
One who is pure, upright and follows natural principles is called "resolute" |
| 大應慈仁曰定 |
One who is merciful and benevolent is called "resolute" |
| 義安中外曰定 |
One who governs morally and brings peace to China and beyond is called "resolute" |
| 鎮靜守度曰定 |
One who is calm and abides by law is called "resolute" |
|
度
Dù |
"Lawful" |
心能制義曰度 |
One who is able to render apposite judgment is called "lawful" |
| 進退可軌曰度 |
One whose actions are legally appropriate is called "lawful" |
| 守法緯民曰度 |
One who governs based on legal principles is called "lawful" |
| 從容有常曰度 |
One whose actions are customary is called "lawful" |
| 禮儀咨善曰度 |
One whose actions are informed by morality is called "lawful" |
| 寬裕有容曰度 |
One who is magnanimous and welcoming is called "lawful" |
| 創制垂法曰度 |
One who establishes principles and regulations is called "lawful" |
| 懿徽足式曰度 |
One whose virtuous actions are models for future generations is called "lawful" |
|
端
Duān |
"Upright" |
守禮執義曰端 |
One who abides by rituals and moral code is called "upright" |
| 聖修式化曰端 |
One who self-cultivates according to virtuous principles is called "upright" |
| 嚴恭蒞下曰端 |
One who leads subordinates with dignity and respect is called "upright" |
| 恭己有容曰端 |
One who is respectful and magnanimous is called "upright" |
| 秉心貞靜曰端 |
One who handles issues faithfully and calmly is called "upright" |
| 守禮自重曰端 |
One who abides by rituals and respects oneself is called "upright" |
|
敦
Dūn |
"Altruistic" |
善行不怠曰敦 |
One who performs kind deeds without negligence is called "altruistic" |
| 溫仁忠厚曰敦 |
One who is benevolent and loyal is called "altruistic" |
| 能記國善曰敦 |
One who is aware of the positive aspects of the state is called "altruistic" |
| 溫仁厚下曰敦 |
One who is benevolent to subordinates is called "altruistic" |
| 篤親睦族曰敦 |
One who cultivates harmonious relationships with family members and friends is called "altruistic" |
| 樹德純固曰敦 |
One whose virtuous behaviors are unwavering is called "altruistic" |
|
干
Gàn |
"Unruly" |
犯國之紀曰干 |
One who violates national law is called "unruly" |
|
剛
Gāng |
"Undaunted" |
追補前過曰剛 |
One who makes up for prior mistakes is called "undaunted" |
| 強毅果敢曰剛 |
One who is tenacious and courageous is called "undaunted" |
| 致果殺敵曰剛 |
One who valiantly battles enemies is called "undaunted" |
| 強而能斷曰剛 |
One who is powerful and not impressionable is called "undaunted" |
| 自強不息曰剛 |
One who is unwavering in pursuing self-improvement is called "undaunted" |
| 政刑明斷曰剛 |
One who decisively enforces law and implements punishment is called "undaunted" |
| 威強不屈曰剛 |
One who does not yield in the face of brutality is called "undaunted" |
| 強義果敢曰剛 |
One who is righteous and courageous is called "undaunted" |
|
高
Gāo |
"High" |
德覆萬物曰高 |
One who treats all virtuously is called "high" |
| 功德盛大曰高 |
One whose merit is lofty is called "high" |
| 覆幬同天曰高 |
One whose bestowed grace is equivalent to that of the heaven is called "high" |
|
革
Gé |
"Revolutionary" |
獻敏成行曰革 |
One who advances proposition is called "revolutionary" |
|
公
Gōng |
"Selfless" |
立志及眾曰公 |
One who aspires to serve public interests is called "selfless" |
|
恭
Gōng |
"Deferential" |
尊賢貴義曰恭 |
One who respects exemplary individuals and prioritizes morality is called "deferential" |
| 敬事供上曰恭 |
One who is meticulous in actions and respects superiors is called "deferential" |
| 尊賢敬讓曰恭 |
One who respects exemplary individuals and is modest is called "deferential" |
| 既過能改曰恭 |
One who rectifies prior mistakes is called "deferential" |
| 執事堅固曰恭 |
One who is steadfast is called "deferential" |
| 愛民長弟曰恭 |
One who cares for subjects in the same way as elders care for juniors is called "deferential" |
| 執禮御賓曰恭 |
One who is courteous to guests is called "deferential" |
| 芘親之闕曰恭 |
One who tolerates the mistakes of family members is called "deferential" |
| 尊長讓善曰恭 |
One who respects elders and promotes kindness is called "deferential" |
| 淵源流通曰恭 |
One who has no desire is called "deferential" |
| 夙夜敬事曰恭 |
One who works tirelessly is called "deferential" |
| 知過能改曰恭 |
One who owns up to and rectifies mistakes is called "deferential" |
| 賢而不伐曰恭 |
One who is proficient but not conceited is called "deferential" |
| 率事以信曰恭 |
One who assumes good faith while handling issues is called "deferential" |
| 不懈於位曰恭 |
One who does not neglect duties is called "deferential" |
| 卑以自牧曰恭 |
One who is modest is called "deferential" |
| 不懈於德曰恭 |
One who does not neglect the pursuit of morality is called "deferential" |
| 治典不易曰恭 |
One who does not deviate from national law is called "deferential" |
| 責難於君曰恭 |
One who does not embarrass and discommode the ruler is called "deferential" |
| 正德美容曰恭 |
One who behaves virtuously and dresses adequately is called "deferential" |
| 不懈為德曰恭 |
One who does not neglect moral actions is called "deferential" |
| 正己接物曰恭 |
One who treats others with respect is called "deferential" |
| 昭事不忒曰恭 |
One who is diligent and does not err is called "deferential" |
| 勤恤民隱曰恭 |
One who is attentive to people's sufferings is called "deferential" |
| 莊以蒞下曰恭 |
One who treats subordinates with dignity is called "deferential" |
| 謙和不懈曰恭 |
One who is modest, gentle and not negligent is called "deferential" |
| 遜順事上曰恭 |
One who is modest and obedient to elders is called "deferential" |
|
光
Guāng |
"Brilliant" |
功格上下曰光 |
One whose accomplishments rival that of heaven and earth is called "brilliant" |
| 能紹前業曰光 |
One who is worthy of succeeding the achievements of ancestors is called "brilliant" |
| 居上能謙曰光 |
One who accomplishes greater feats than predecessors but remains modest is called "brilliant" |
| 功烈耿著曰光 |
One whose accomplishments are meritorious and noteworthy is called "brilliant" |
|
廣
Guǎng |
"Magnificent" |
美化及遠曰廣 |
One whose great deeds have far-reaching impact is called "magnificent" |
| 所聞能行曰廣 |
One who is competent in emulating all things is called "magnificent" |
|
果
Guǒ |
"Motivated" |
好力致勇曰果 |
One who is vigorous and courageous is called "motivated" |
| 好學近智曰果 |
One who is studious is called "motivated" |
| 臨事善斷曰果 |
One who is decisive in handling issues is called "motivated" |
|
暠
Hào |
"Bright" |
綜善典法曰暠 |
One who is familiar with ordinances and regulations is called "bright" |
|
和
Hé |
"Moderate" |
不剛不柔曰和 |
One who is neither overly unrelenting nor lenient is called "moderate" |
| 推賢讓能曰和 |
One who promotes venerable individuals and yields to qualified individuals is called "moderate" |
| 柔遠能邇曰和 |
One who wins over the people and treats them virtuously is called "moderate" |
| 號令悅民曰和 |
One whose policies confer satisfaction to the people is called "moderate" |
| 敦睦九族曰和 |
One who cultivates harmonious relationships among members of the nine grades of relations is called "moderate" |
| 懷柔胥洽曰和 |
One who appeases and cultivates harmonious relationships among the people is called "moderate" |
| 溫厚無苛曰和 |
One who is good-natured and does not treat others ruthlessly is called "moderate" |
|
厚
Hòu |
"Kind" |
思慮不爽曰厚 |
One who considers meticulously and is uncorrupted is called "kind" |
| 強毅敦樸曰厚 |
One who perseveres in maintaining honesty and simplicity is called "kind" |
| 敦仁愛眾曰厚 |
One who is good-natured and shows care for others is called "kind" |
|
胡
Hú |
"Long-lived" |
彌年壽考曰胡 |
One who lives to old age is called "long-lived" |
| 保民耆艾曰胡 |
One who ensures societal stability and the welfare of the elders is called "long-lived" |
| 保民畏懼曰胡 |
One who protects the people from terror is called "long-lived" |
|
懷
Huái |
"Yearned" |
執義揚善曰懷 |
One who persists in performing moral deeds is called "yearned" |
| 慈仁短折曰懷 |
One who is benevolent but passes away at an early age is called "yearned" |
| 慈仁知節曰懷 |
One who is benevolent and understands etiquette is called "yearned" |
| 失位而死曰懷 |
One who loses the rightful position and passes away as a result is called "yearned" |
| 慈仁哲行曰懷 |
One who is benevolent and behaves rationally is called "yearned" |
| 民思其惠曰懷 |
One whose good deeds are remembered by the people is called "yearned" |
|
桓
Huán |
"Fabled" |
闢土服遠曰桓 |
One who expands the territories and pacifies those living afar is called "fabled" |
| 克敬勤民曰桓 |
One who is respectful and serves the people diligently is called "fabled" |
| 闢土兼國曰桓 |
One who expands the territories and conquers other states is called "fabled" |
| 武定四方曰桓 |
One who pacifies the world through military might is called "fabled" |
| 克亟成功曰桓 |
One who repeatedly resolves problems is called "fabled" |
| 克敵服遠曰桓 |
One who defeats enemies and pacifies those living afar is called "fabled" |
| 能成武志曰桓 |
One who achieves military aspirations is called "fabled" |
| 壯以有力曰桓 |
One who is powerful and mighty is called "fabled" |
|
荒
Huāng |
"Unrestrained" |
凶年無榖曰荒 |
One who rules over a period of no harvest is called "unrestrained" |
| 外內從亂曰荒 |
One who induces external threats and internal rebellions is called "unrestrained" |
| 好樂怠政曰荒 |
One who indulges in pleasures and neglects governance is called "unrestrained" |
| 昏亂紀度曰荒 |
One who disregards established rules is called "unrestrained" |
| 從樂不反曰荒 |
One who indulges in pleasures and shows no sign of reflection is called "unrestrained" |
| 狎侮五常曰荒 |
One who is frivolous and disregards moral principles is called "unrestrained" |
|
徽
Huī |
"Wonderful" |
元德充美曰徽 |
One who is moral and exhibits sagely characteristics is called "wonderful" |
