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大公无私 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
大公无私dàgōngwúsīselflessHSK 7, unknown, 18 strokes, rank #52250, Very Hard
大公无私dàgōngwúsīimpartialHSK 7, unknown, 18 strokes, rank #52250, Very Hard
dàgōngwúsī(da4gong1wu2si1)da gong wu si T4
  1. 1selfless
  2. 2impartial
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March 24, 2026

大公无私(大公無私)dàgōngwúsī(da4gong1wu2si1)

The idiom 大公无私 (dà gōng wú sī) describes a person who is selfless and impartial, putting the common good above personal interests. It is often used in contexts discussing fairness, integrity, and altruism in both personal and professional settings.

Strokes18Frequency#52250DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, selflessness is highly valued, often seen in Confucian teachings that emphasize the importance of community and social harmony. The idiom reflects societal expectations of leaders and individuals to prioritize collective well-being.

Memory tip

Imagine a large public square (大公) where everyone gathers to share their resources without selfishness (无私). Picture a giant 'gong' bell that rings to remind everyone to act fairly, creating a community that thrives on selflessness.

Meanings of 大公无私

dàgōngwúsī(da4gong1wu2si1)
1selfless
2impartial
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About 大公无私

大公无私Simplified
大公無私Traditional
18Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2

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AI study notes for 大公无私

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse this idiom with similar phrases that imply a lack of personal interest, as '大公无私' emphasizes the positive quality of selflessness. It is generally used in formal contexts, often in discussions of ethics or governance. Avoid using it in casual settings where the tone may not fit.

HSK Study Tips

Though not specifically part of the HSK curriculum, understanding this idiom can enhance your grasp of HSK-level vocabulary related to morality and social behavior. Focus on the characters' meanings and their usage in sentences to deepen comprehension.

Common Mistakes

Learners may incorrectly use 大公无私 to describe someone who simply avoids taking sides in a dispute. Instead, use it for those who actively promote fairness and selflessness, such as in leadership roles.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 大公无私

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Component characters

大dàbig
HSK 13 strokes大
View full entry
公gōngpublic
HSK 64 strokes八
View full entry
无wú-less
HSK 44 strokes无
View full entry
私sīpersonal
7 strokes禾
View full entry

How to say selfless in Chinese

“selfless” in Chinese is大公无私dàgōngwúsī

The idiom 大公无私 (dà gōng wú sī) describes a person who is selfless and impartial, putting the common good above personal interests. It is often used in contexts discussing fairness, integrity, and altruism in both personal and professional settings.

When to use 大公无私

Be careful not to confuse this idiom with similar phrases that imply a lack of personal interest, as '大公无私' emphasizes the positive quality of selflessness. It is generally used in formal contexts, often in discussions of ethics or governance. Avoid using it in casual settings where the tone may not fit.

What learners get wrong

Learners may incorrectly use 大公无私 to describe someone who simply avoids taking sides in a dispute. Instead, use it for those who actively promote fairness and selflessness, such as in leadership roles.

Write 大公无私

大
公
无
私

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Cultural Notes for 大公无私

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, the concept of being selfless is often associated with individual sacrifice, whereas in Chinese culture it is more about communal harmony and duty to society.

Frequently asked questions about 大公无私

It's best used in contexts involving public or professional matters rather than personal decisions, where self-interest may be more acceptable.

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