Meaning
不义 means something that violates moral principles, righteousness, or justice. It describes actions, behaviors, or situations that are ethically wrong or unfair. The term carries a strong moral judgment and is often used in formal or literary contexts to condemn behavior that goes against proper conduct or social ethics.
Usage
This is a relatively formal or literary term commonly found in classical texts, idioms, and serious discussions about ethics or morality. In modern speech, native speakers might use it in fixed expressions like 不义之财 (ill-gotten gains) or when making moral arguments. It's less common in casual daily conversation where simpler words like 不公平 might be preferred.
Examples
- 01不义之财不可取。.Ill-gotten wealth should not be taken.
- 02他们的行为是不仁不义的。.Their behavior is heartless and unrighteous.
Characters
Common collocations
- 不义之财ill-gotten wealth
- 不义之战unjust war
- 不仁不义heartless and unrighteous
Antonyms
Origin
The character 义 originally represented righteousness and proper conduct in Confucian philosophy. 不义 literally means 'not righteous' and has been used since classical Chinese to denote actions contrary to moral principles.