徳 (dé) - Virtue, morality, ethics & a fundamental concept in Confucian philosophy representing moral

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dé ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

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徳 · dé

Virtue, morality, ethics;

a fundamental concept in Confucian philosophy representing moral character and integrity.

Virtue, morality, ethicsa fundamental concept in Confucian philosophy representing moral

Usage highlights

Virtue and moralityMoral characterCultivate virtuePower of virtueVirtuous governmentGratitude

Synonyms

  • 德— virtue, morality (simplified Chinese form)
  • 善— goodness, kindness
  • 仁— benevolence, humaneness

Antonyms

  • 恶— evil, wickedness
  • 罪— sin, crime

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He is a man of great virtue (有徳之人).
  • Cultivating one's moral character (修徳).
  • The power of virtue (徳力).
  • Traditional Japanese writing uses this character (徳 in Japanese).

Collocations

  • Virtue and morality(道徳)
  • Moral character(品徳)
  • Cultivate virtue(修徳)
  • Power of virtue(徳力)
  • Virtuous government(徳政)
  • Gratitude(恩徳)

Idioms

  • Virtue brings its own reward(积徳累功)
  • A land of virtue(徳之邦)
  • Virtue is not solitary(徳不孤)
  • Three virtues(三徳)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Central to Confucian ethics, representing moral excellence and proper conduct.
  • In Japanese, this character is used in its traditional form, distinct from the simplified Chinese 德.
  • Historically associated with benevolent rule and the Mandate of Heaven concept.

FAQ