These four characters combine literally and powerfully: “To see (见) righteousness (义) and bravely (勇) act (为).” The meaning is transparent and captures a profound moral imperative.
见义勇为 is a cornerstone of public morality in China, deeply rooted in Confucian philosophy. The character 义 (yì), or righteousness, is one of the Five Constants (五常, wǔcháng) that define a virtuous person (君子, jūnzǐ). The classic saying by Confucius, “见义不为，无勇也” (jiàn yì bù wéi, wú yǒng yě) — “To see what is right and not do it is to lack courage” — is the direct philosophical origin of this idiom.
While “Good Samaritan” is a close Western parallel, there are key differences. A “Good Samaritan” typically refers to someone who helps another person in distress (e.g., a medical emergency or accident) out of compassion. 见义勇为 shares this but carries a stronger connotation of confronting injustice or danger. It could describe someone who stops a robbery, confronts a harasser, or pulls someone from a burning building. The emphasis is on upholding justice (义), not just providing aid.
In modern China, the concept is heavily promoted by the government and media. Citizens who perform such acts are often publicly commended and given the title “见义勇为英雄” (jiàn yì yǒng wéi yīng xióng), or “Hero who Acted Bravely for a Just Cause.” This praise reinforces a social expectation that people should not be passive bystanders (a phenomenon sometimes called `袖手旁观 xiù shǒu páng guān`).
见义勇为 is a formal and highly laudatory term.
Its connotation is universally positive and inspiring. There is no negative or ironic usage.