德高望重

You usually use this as an adjective to describe a person. You can say 一位德高望重的老教授 (a highly respected old professor). It often follows the name of the person. You do not use it for yourself unless you want to sound incredibly arrogant. It is a gift you give to others through your words. It feels heavy, stable, and deeply sincere.

Use it during formal introductions or speeches. It is perfect for a retirement party or a wedding toast for a patriarch. Use it when you want to show serious face to someone older. It works well in professional settings when referring to a 'Grandmaster' of the field. Even in a casual chat, you can use it to explain why you value someone's advice so much.

Never use this for someone younger than you. It would sound sarcastic or very weird. Do not use it for a peer or a friend your own age. Avoid using it for someone who is successful but has a bad personality. If a billionaire is rich but mean, they are not 德高望重. Also, do not use it for objects or pets. Your cat might be prestigious, but he probably lacks the moral virtue required.

This phrase comes from the 'Book of Jin'. It reflects the Confucian ideal of the 'Junzi' or gentleman. In Chinese culture, age and moral integrity are linked. We believe that as you get older, your character should become more refined. This phrase is the gold standard for that life goal. It is what every traditional Chinese professional hopes to be called one day.

You might hear people just use 高德 or 重望 in poetry, but 德高望重 is the fixed standard. Sometimes people pair it with 年事已高 (of advanced age). This emphasizes that the person has earned their status over a long lifetime. It is a classic four-character idiom (chengyu) that has not changed in centuries.