Definition
假公济私 is a four-character chengyu meaning 'to use public office for private gain' — i.e., abusing one's official position to benefit oneself. It carries a strong negative connotation and is commonly used in political, corporate, or institutional contexts where someone exploits public resources or power for personal profit. The structure is parallel: 假 (to borrow/use) + 公 (public) + 济 (to help/benefit) + 私 (private).
f.e.
to abuse one's public position for personal gainto practice graft
Examples
- 假公济私，。Bùnéng jiǎ gōng jì sī, lànyòng zhíquán.You must not abuse your public position for private gain and misuse your power.
- 假公济私。Zhè wèi guānyuán yīnwèi jiǎ gōng jì sī bèi diàochá.This official is under investigation for abusing his public position for personal gain.
- 假公济私。Gōngsī yánjìn rènhé jiǎ gōng jì sī de xíngwéi.The company strictly prohibits any behavior of using public office for private gain.
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