Meaning
清廉 describes someone, especially an official or person in power, who is morally upright, incorruptible, and does not engage in bribery or corruption. It emphasizes integrity and clean conduct in public service or business dealings. The term carries strong positive connotations of virtue and ethical behavior.
Usage
This word is most commonly used in formal contexts when discussing government officials, public servants, or leaders. It's a praised quality in traditional and modern Chinese culture, often appearing in news, political discourse, and evaluations of character. Native speakers use it to commend someone's integrity or to describe ideal standards of conduct in positions of authority.
Examples
- 01他是一位清廉的法官，从不接受贿赂。, .He is an incorruptible judge who never accepts bribes.
- 02古代有许多清廉的官员受到百姓的爱戴。.In ancient times, many honest officials were beloved by the common people.
Characters
Common collocations
- 清廉正直honest and upright
- 清廉的官员incorruptible official
- 为官清廉to serve as an honest official
- 清廉自守to maintain one's integrity
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters have ancient roots in describing moral purity. 清 originally meant 'clear water' and extended to 'pure in character.' 廉 historically referred to the corner of a building (upright and straight), which metaphorically came to mean moral uprightness and integrity.