光明正大
Fair and square
Literally: Light (Guāng) Bright (míng) Upright (zhèng) Great (dà)
Use it to describe actions taken with total transparency and moral integrity, leaving no room for suspicion.
In 15 Seconds
- Being completely honest and open in your actions.
- Doing things 'fair and square' without any hidden agendas.
- The opposite of being sneaky, shady, or deceptive.
- Acting with a clear conscience and moral integrity.
Meaning
It describes doing things in a way that is completely open, honest, and above board. It's that feeling of having nothing to hide because your actions are morally right and transparent.
Key Examples
3 of 6Winning a competition fairly
我是光明正大赢的，没有作弊。
I won fair and square, I didn't cheat.
Discussing a business deal
我们做生意一向光明正大。
We have always done business in an open and honest way.
Texting a friend about a crush
既然你喜欢她，就光明正大地去追吧！
Since you like her, just go after her openly!
Cultural Background
The phrase is famously associated with the 'Palace of Heavenly Purity' in the Forbidden City. A large horizontal scroll bearing the characters 'Jian Ji Sui You' was replaced by the Shunzhi Emperor with 'Zheng Da Guang Ming' to remind rulers to be transparent. It represents the traditional Chinese ideal that a leader's heart should be as clear as a mirror.
The 'Daylight' Test
If you are wondering if you can use this phrase, ask: 'Would I be embarrassed if this was on the news?' If the answer is no, it's likely `光明正大`.
Don't over-defend
If you say `我是光明正大的` (I am honorable) too many times during a simple argument, it might actually make you sound suspicious, like you're trying too hard!
In 15 Seconds
- Being completely honest and open in your actions.
- Doing things 'fair and square' without any hidden agendas.
- The opposite of being sneaky, shady, or deceptive.
- Acting with a clear conscience and moral integrity.
What It Means
光明正大 is the ultimate badge of honor for your actions. Imagine doing something in broad daylight with everyone watching. You aren't sneaking around or using 'backdoor' deals. It means your behavior is honorable and your motives are pure. It is the opposite of being 'shady' or 'sneaky.'
How To Use It
You usually use this as an adjective to describe a person's character or the way an action is performed. You can say someone is a 光明正大 person. You can also say they did something in a 光明正大 manner. It often follows the verb 做 (to do) or 行事 (to conduct oneself). It’s like saying, 'I’m doing this with my head held high.'
When To Use It
Use it when you want to defend your reputation. If someone accuses you of cheating, tell them you won 光明正大. It’s great for business meetings when discussing transparent policies. Use it with friends when you want to show you are being 100% real with them. It’s perfect for those 'I have a clear conscience' moments.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for trivial, everyday habits. You don't eat a sandwich 光明正大 unless someone accused you of stealing it. Avoid using it for things that are naturally private. It’s about integrity, not just being loud. If you are doing something slightly mischievous but harmless, this phrase is too 'heavy' and serious.
Cultural Background
This phrase has deep roots in Confucian philosophy. Being a 'Junzi' (a person of noble character) means living transparently. In Chinese culture, 'face' is important, but true 'face' comes from being upright. Historically, it was a standard for government officials to prove they weren't corrupt. It’s about the harmony between your inner heart and outer actions.
Common Variations
You might hear 正大光明, which is the exact same meaning. If you visit the Forbidden City in Beijing, you'll see these four characters on a massive plaque. It was the motto for Emperors to rule justly. Another related vibe is 堂堂正正, which emphasizes being impressive and dignified. Stick to 光明正大 for general 'fair and square' situations.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile across all formality levels. Just be careful not to use it for trivial matters unless you are being intentionally funny, as it carries a certain moral weight.
The 'Daylight' Test
If you are wondering if you can use this phrase, ask: 'Would I be embarrassed if this was on the news?' If the answer is no, it's likely `光明正大`.
Don't over-defend
If you say `我是光明正大的` (I am honorable) too many times during a simple argument, it might actually make you sound suspicious, like you're trying too hard!
The Emperor's Plaque
The characters `正大光明` (a variation) hang above the throne in the Forbidden City. It was the ultimate reminder that the Emperor's power must be used justly.
Examples
6我是光明正大赢的，没有作弊。
I won fair and square, I didn't cheat.
Defending one's victory using the phrase to emphasize honesty.
我们做生意一向光明正大。
We have always done business in an open and honest way.
Building trust with a partner by emphasizing transparency.
既然你喜欢她，就光明正大地去追吧！
Since you like her, just go after her openly!
Encouraging a friend to be bold rather than secret.
我这是光明正大地在办公室吃零食。
I am eating snacks in the office completely out in the open.
Using a serious phrase for a silly situation for comedic effect.
我做事光明正大，不怕别人说闲话。
I act with a clear conscience; I'm not afraid of gossip.
Showing emotional strength and integrity against rumors.
这个决定是光明正大做出的，大家可以监督。
This decision was made transparently; everyone is welcome to supervise.
Using the phrase to ensure organizational accountability.
Test Yourself
Choose the best phrase to describe an honest person.
他是一个___的人，从不玩弄手段。
The sentence says he never 'plays tricks' (玩弄手段), so '光明正大' (fair and square) is the perfect fit.
Complete the sentence about a fair competition.
我们要___地竞争，不要在背后搞小动作。
The sentence contrasts with 'doing things behind someone's back' (搞小动作), so 'open and honest' is required.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 光明正大
Used with friends to encourage honesty.
光明正大地去说吧！
Common in daily work and life discussions.
我们要光明正大地做事。
Used in official speeches or literature.
其行事光明正大，堪称楷模。
When to use 光明正大
Sports/Games
Winning without cheating
Dating
Asking someone out directly
Business
Transparent contracts
Social Ethics
Refusing a bribe
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it's very close! While 'fair and square' usually refers to winning, 光明正大 can also describe a person's general character or lifestyle.
Usually, it's too serious for that. However, you can use it humorously, like saying 我光明正大地偷懒 (I am being lazy out in the open).
堂堂正正 (táng táng zhèng zhèng) emphasizes being dignified and impressive, while 光明正大 focuses more on transparency and honesty.
It is neutral. You can use it in a casual conversation with friends or in a formal business contract without it feeling out of place.
Actually, you'd use it to describe the *opposite*. If a couple stops hiding and goes public, they are now 光明正大 together.
The opposite would be 偷偷摸摸 (tōu tōu mō mō), which means sneaking around or being 'shady'.
You can use it as an adverb with 地 (de), like 光明正大地竞争 (compete fairly), or as a predicate like 他这个人很光明正大.
No, it is more philosophical and ethical, rooted in Confucian values of the 'upright man' rather than a specific religion.
Absolutely. It is frequently used in political contexts to describe 'open and transparent' administration (政务公开，光明正大).
If you say 正大光明, people will still understand you perfectly; it's a very common variation often seen in historical contexts.
Related Phrases
堂堂正正
Dignified and upright.
问心无愧
To have a clear conscience.
偷偷摸摸
Sneaky and secretive (Antonym).
坦荡
Magnanimous and open-hearted.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free