Definition
积德 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning to accumulate moral merit through good deeds, a concept rooted in Buddhist and Daoist traditions. You can insert a measure word or number between 积 and 德, e.g., 积点德 (jī diǎn dé 'accumulate a bit of merit'). Colloquially, it's used to urge someone to be kind or stop being harsh, as in 积点德吧 ('have a heart'). The separable form is common in daily speech.
v.o.
(verb-object) to accumulate merit through good deeds (Buddhist/Daoist concept)(colloquial) to be kindto be nice (often in 积点德 or 积积德)
Examples
- 积德。Tā yìshēng dōu zài jī dé.He spent his whole life accumulating merit.
- ，。Nǐ jī diǎn dé ba, bié nàme kèbó.Have a heart; don't be so mean.
- 积德。Duō zuò shànshì kěyǐ jī dé.Doing more good deeds can accumulate merit.
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