When combined, 品德 (pǐndé) literally means the “quality of one's virtue.” It beautifully captures the idea that morality isn't just an abstract concept, but an intrinsic quality that defines a person.
品德 is a cornerstone of Chinese society, deeply rooted in Confucian philosophy. The ideal Confucian “gentleman” (君子, jūnzǐ) is defined by his profound 品德. It's not something one is simply born with, but something that must be actively cultivated (修养, xiūyǎng) throughout one's life through education, self-reflection, and practice. Comparison to a Western Concept: While 品德 is similar to the English word “character,” there's a key difference. In the West, “character” can often be individualistic—referring to personal integrity, resilience, or “grit.” 品德, however, is more socially and collectively oriented. Good 品德 means you are trustworthy, responsible, respectful to elders (filial piety), and contribute to social harmony. It’s about how your inner virtue manifests in your relationships and duties to family, community, and the nation. A person with good 品德 is someone others can rely on to act correctly and uphold social norms, making them a valuable member of the collective.
品德 is a formal and serious term, but it's used frequently in important contexts.
The term is almost always used with an adjective like “good” (好), “high” (高尚), “bad” (不好), or “corrupt” (败坏).
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