坚持原则
Adhere to principles
Literalmente: Persist (坚持) in Principles (原则)
Use this to praise someone who refuses to compromise their values for personal gain.
En 15 segundos
- Sticking to your moral code despite pressure.
- A high compliment for integrity and honesty.
- Used for serious ethical or professional situations.
Significado
This phrase describes someone who sticks to their moral compass or rules, even when it is difficult or unpopular. It is like having a backbone made of steel when everyone else is bending.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Praising a colleague's honesty
他在金钱面前依然坚持原则，真让人佩服。
He still adhered to his principles in the face of money; I really admire him.
Explaining why you can't do a favor
对不起，我必须坚持原则，不能帮你改成绩。
Sorry, I must stick to my principles and cannot help you change the grade.
Texting a friend about a tough choice
虽然压力很大，但我还是想坚持原则。
Although there is a lot of pressure, I still want to stick to my principles.
Contexto cultural
The concept is deeply rooted in Confucian ethics, where maintaining one's moral integrity (气节) is more important than wealth or status. In modern Chinese society, it is frequently used in political and business discourse to emphasize anti-corruption and professional ethics.
The 'Good' Stubbornness
Unlike 'stubborn' (固执), which is usually negative, '坚持原则' is almost always a compliment. Use it when you want to make someone sound heroic.
Don't be a Robot
If you use this phrase for every tiny rule, you might sound too rigid or 'dead' (死板). Save it for the big stuff!
En 15 segundos
- Sticking to your moral code despite pressure.
- A high compliment for integrity and honesty.
- Used for serious ethical or professional situations.
What It Means
坚持原则 is all about integrity. It means you have a set of rules you live by. You do not break them for money or convenience. It is the opposite of being a 'yes-man.' When you use this, you are praising someone's character. You are saying they are reliable and honest.
How To Use It
You usually use it as a verb phrase. You can say someone 坚持原则. You can also use it as a noun-like quality. For example, 'He is a man who 坚持原则.' It often appears in performance reviews or deep conversations. It sounds very solid and respectable. It is like saying someone is 'unshakable.'
When To Use It
Use it in professional settings when discussing ethics. Use it when a friend makes a hard but right choice. It is perfect for describing a hero in a movie. If your boss refuses a bribe, they are 坚持原则. If your friend keeps a secret despite being teased, they are 坚持原则. It adds a layer of dignity to the conversation.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for trivial things. If you refuse to eat broccoli, that is not 坚持原则. That is just being picky! Also, do not use it if someone is being annoying. If they are just stubborn about a movie choice, use 固执 instead. 坚持原则 is for big, important moral things. Using it for small stuff makes you sound a bit dramatic.
Cultural Background
In China, integrity is a massive deal. It dates back to ancient scholars and Confucianism. A 'Junzi' (gentleman) must always 坚持原则. Historically, many famous officials died rather than break their principles. Today, it is a highly valued trait in leadership. It shows you have 'Qi' (spirit) and 'Jie' (integrity). It is the ultimate compliment for a professional.
Common Variations
You might hear 有原则, which just means 'having principles.' If someone is too flexible, people say they 不讲原则. If someone is praised for it, they might be called a 原则性强 person. This means their 'principle-ness' is very strong. It is a common way to describe a reliable colleague.
Notas de uso
The phrase is highly versatile across all registers. However, in very informal slang contexts, it might be replaced by simpler terms like '有底线' (having a bottom line).
The 'Good' Stubbornness
Unlike 'stubborn' (固执), which is usually negative, '坚持原则' is almost always a compliment. Use it when you want to make someone sound heroic.
Don't be a Robot
If you use this phrase for every tiny rule, you might sound too rigid or 'dead' (死板). Save it for the big stuff!
The 'Face' Connection
In China, 'giving face' is important, but '坚持原则' is one of the few acceptable reasons to 'deny face' to someone without being rude.
Ejemplos
6他在金钱面前依然坚持原则，真让人佩服。
He still adhered to his principles in the face of money; I really admire him.
Here it shows high respect for someone's character.
对不起，我必须坚持原则，不能帮你改成绩。
Sorry, I must stick to my principles and cannot help you change the grade.
A polite but firm way to say 'no' based on ethics.
虽然压力很大，但我还是想坚持原则。
Although there is a lot of pressure, I still want to stick to my principles.
Shows personal struggle but a firm decision.
王老师虽然严厉，但他非常坚持原则。
Teacher Wang is strict, but he really sticks to his principles.
Balances a negative trait (strictness) with a positive one.
在火锅面前，我很难坚持原则啊！
It's so hard to stick to my principles in front of hot pot!
Uses a serious phrase for a funny, relatable struggle.
一个好的领导必须学会坚持原则。
A good leader must learn to adhere to principles.
A general statement about leadership qualities.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence about a fair judge.
这位法官一生都___，从不接受贿赂。
A judge refusing bribes is a classic example of 'adhering to principles' (坚持原则).
Which word fits best when someone refuses to break the rules for a friend?
虽然我们是好朋友，但在工作上我必须___。
In a professional context involving rules, '坚持原则' is the most appropriate term.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality of 坚持原则
Used jokingly with friends about small habits.
I'm sticking to my 'no dessert' principle!
Commonly used in daily life for moral choices.
He is a person of principle.
Standard in business, law, and politics.
The company must adhere to ethical principles.
Where to use 坚持原则
Job Interview
Describing your work ethic.
Refusing a Bribe
Showing moral integrity.
Parenting
Not giving in to a child's tantrum.
Legal/Court
Upholding the law fairly.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNot at all! You can use it for personal life, like refusing to gossip or staying true to your diet. It just needs to involve a 'rule' you set for yourself.
No, 'stubborn' is 固执 (gùzhí). 坚持原则 implies you have a good, logical reason for not changing your mind.
Yes, it's a great way to sound firm but professional. For example, 我是一个坚持原则的人 (I am a person who sticks to principles).
It is neutral to formal. You can use it in a casual chat, but it's very common in newspapers and speeches too.
The opposite is 不讲原则 (not following principles) or 毫无底线 (having no bottom line/no limits).
Rarely. If someone uses it sarcastically, they might mean you are being too inflexible, but usually, it's a positive trait.
You can say 他很有原则 (Tā hěn yǒu yuánzé) or 他做事很坚持原则.
No, 原则 can be personal values, company policies, or social ethics. It's any 'rule of thumb' you live by.
Yes, like 我在感情中也是坚持原则的 (I also have principles in relationships), meaning you have boundaries.
Not at all. It's a very modern and common way to discuss character and reliability.
Frases relacionadas
为人正直
To be an upright and honest person
固执己见
To stubbornly cling to one's own opinion (negative)
底线
Bottom line / non-negotiable limit
宁死不屈
Rather die than submit (very dramatic version)
Comentarios (0)
Inicia Sesión para ComentarEmpieza a aprender idiomas gratis
Empieza Gratis