Skip to content
Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
当之无愧 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
当之无愧dāngzhīwúkuìfully deserving, without any reservations (idiom); entirely worthy (of a title, honor etc)HSK 7, unknown, 25 strokes, rank #16810, Very Hard
dāngzhīwúkuì(dang1zhi1wu2kui4)dang zhi wu kui T1
  1. 1fully deserving, without any reservations (idiom); entirely worthy (of a title, honor etc)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

当之无愧(當之無愧)dāngzhīwúkuì(dang1zhi1wu2kui4)

当之无愧 is an idiomatic expression meaning 'fully deserving' or 'entirely worthy' of something, such as a title or honor. It is often used to commend someone's achievements and to affirm that they merit the recognition they receive, indicating no reservations about their qualifications.

Strokes25Frequency#16810DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, recognition and honor hold significant importance, especially in fields like education and business. The use of 当之无愧 often reflects societal values that emphasize merit and respect for excellence.

Memory tip

Imagine a crown being placed on a person's head, with the phrase '当之无愧' echoing in the background. The characters can be broken down: 当 (dāng) suggests 'to be' or 'to serve as', and 无愧 (wú kuì) translates to 'without guilt' or 'without shame'. Picture a king or queen who wears their crown proudly, representing their worthiness.

Meanings of 当之无愧

dāngzhīwúkuì(dang1zhi1wu2kui4)
1fully deserving, without any reservations (idiom); entirely worthy (of a title, honor etc)
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 当之无愧 means.

About 当之无愧

当之无愧Simplified
當之無愧Traditional
25Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2

Podcast: 当之无愧

JasonAmy

Podcast: 当之无愧

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI study notes for 当之无愧

Quick Contrast

当之无愧 (fully deserving) vs 理所当然 (as it should be) — use 当之无愧 to emphasize merit and worthiness, while 理所当然 suggests something is taken for granted or expected.

Usage Notes

This idiom is used in formal contexts, often in speeches or written commendations. Be cautious not to confuse it with similar phrases that imply doubt or reservation, as 当之无愧 strongly affirms worthiness. Common collocations include '当之无愧的称号' (the title of fully deserving).

HSK Study Tips

Although this idiom doesn't have a specific HSK level, it is relevant for advanced learners who are familiar with idiomatic expressions. Focus on how this phrase can enhance your language by adding depth to your descriptions of people's achievements.

Common Mistakes

Learners often misuse this phrase by attaching it to situations where someone is only partially deserving. For example, saying '他当之无愧' when discussing someone who is controversial can be misleading; ensure the context truly reflects full merit.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 当之无愧

Premium — Locked

Tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 当之无愧, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsPitch drawing+5 XP
Get Pro to unlock

Jason Explains 当之无愧 to you

Let me explain 当之无愧 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 当之无愧 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

How well do you know 当之无愧?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 当之无愧 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Component characters

当dāngto act as
HSK 46 strokes⺌
View full entry
之zhī(possessive particle, literary equivalent of 的[de])
HSK 43 strokes丿
View full entry
无wú-less
HSK 44 strokes无
View full entry
愧kuìashamed, regretful; the pangs of conscience
12 strokes忄
View full entry

How to say fully deserving, without any reservations (idiom); entirely worthy (of a title, honor etc) in Chinese

“fully deserving, without any reservations (idiom); entirely worthy (of a title, honor etc)” in Chinese is当之无愧dāngzhīwúkuì

当之无愧 is an idiomatic expression meaning 'fully deserving' or 'entirely worthy' of something, such as a title or honor. It is often used to commend someone's achievements and to affirm that they merit the recognition they receive, indicating no reservations about their qualifications.

When to use 当之无愧

This idiom is used in formal contexts, often in speeches or written commendations. Be cautious not to confuse it with similar phrases that imply doubt or reservation, as 当之无愧 strongly affirms worthiness. Common collocations include '当之无愧的称号' (the title of fully deserving).

当之无愧 or something close to it

当之无愧 (fully deserving) vs 理所当然 (as it should be) — use 当之无愧 to emphasize merit and worthiness, while 理所当然 suggests something is taken for granted or expected.

What learners get wrong

Learners often misuse this phrase by attaching it to situations where someone is only partially deserving. For example, saying '他当之无愧' when discussing someone who is controversial can be misleading; ensure the context truly reflects full merit.

Write 当之无愧

当
之
无
愧

Practice writing 当之无愧 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Ask Jason

Have a question about 当之无愧?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

Frequently asked questions about 当之无愧

It is best reserved for more formal settings, as it conveys a strong sense of respect and admiration.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 当之无愧?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab