Definition
This four-character idiom describes a person who is morally upright, steadfast, and refuses to flatter or bow to authority. The character 阿 (not ā but ē) means 'to fawn on' or 'to flatter', so 不阿 literally means 'does not flatter'. The idiom is often used in praise of officials or historical figures who resist corruption and stand by their principles.
f.e.
upright and unyieldingrefusing to flatter or compromise
Examples
- 刚正不阿,。Zhè wèi qīngguān yìshēng gāng zhēng, shēn shòu bǎixìng àidài.This honest official was upright and unyielding all his life, deeply loved by the people.
- 刚正不阿,。Tā wéirén gāng zhēng, cóng bú xiàng quánguì dītóu.He is an upright person who never bows to the powerful.
- 刚正不阿。gāng zhēng de pǐngé zài rènhé shídài dōu zhídé zūnjìng.The quality of being upright and unyielding deserves respect in any era.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.