不正之风

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: bù zhèng zhī fēng
• English Translation: Unhealthy trends (corrupt practices)
• Idiom Composition: 「不」（Not or un-）＋「正」（Upright, correct, or proper）＋「之」（A classical Chinese particle functioning like 'of' or a possessive）＋「风」（Wind, here referring to a 'trend,' 'atmosphere,' or 'social practice'）
• Meaning: A derogatory term referring to unfavorable trends, customs, or practices within a society or organization that violate morality or regulations. It specifically targets systemic corruption, abuse of power, or collusion.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「不正之风」 contains the following nuances:

• Nuance of Systemic Corruption: Rather than a one-off individual crime, this term refers to a 'bad atmosphere' or 'evil wind' (风) that has spread through a group or organization, such as systemic nepotism, bribery, or abuse of authority.
• Political and Administrative Tone: This is a formal expression frequently found in news broadcasts and official government reports. It is a key term used when discussing the discipline of political parties, governments, or corporate governance.

3. Usage

「不正之风」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Organizational Reform: Used in slogans or policy explanations when corporations or government agencies seek to rectify internal corruption or bad habits.
  • Example:「公司决定严厉打击收受回扣等不正之风。」
    （The company has decided to crack down severely on unhealthy trends such as accepting kickbacks.）
• Social Criticism: Used to criticize a decline in social morals or specific 'bad habits' prevalent within an entire industry.
  • Example:「我们要坚决抵制行业内的不正之风，维护公平竞争。」
    （We must resolutely resist corrupt practices within the industry to maintain fair competition.）
• Common Verb Collocations: Often paired with verbs like 纠正 (jiū zhèng - to correct), 抵制 (dǐ zhì - to resist), or 助长 (zhù zhǎng - to encourage/foster).
  • Example:「这种行为只会助长不正之风的蔓延。」
    （Such behavior will only encourage the spread of unhealthy trends.）

Additional Examples:

1. 作为领导干部，必须带头纠正不正之风。
   （As leading officials, we must take the lead in correcting unhealthy trends.）
2. 这种走后门的不正之风，让真正有能力的人失去了机会。
   （These corrupt practices of using the 'back door' cause truly capable people to lose opportunities.）
3. 学校正在开展整治学术不正之风的专项行动。
   （The school is currently launching a special campaign to rectify academic malpractice.）
4. 如果不及时制止，这点小错误可能会演变成严重的不正之风。
   （If not stopped in time, this small mistake could evolve into a serious unhealthy trend.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• The term originates from the text Baopuzi (抱朴子) by the Jin Dynasty scholar Ge Hong (葛洪), which mentions 'changing unhealthy winds and altering decadent customs.' While originally a moral teaching, it is now primarily used in political and social contexts.
• In modern China, this is a keyword in anti-corruption campaigns. Specific behaviors like 走后门 (zǒu hòu mén - 'going through the back door' or using connections) and 拉关系 (lā guān xi - 'pulling strings' or networking for favors) are classic examples of 不正之风 (bù zhèng zhī fēng).
• Because of its formal and heavy tone, it is not used to describe lighthearted bad habits among friends; it is reserved for serious social or professional criticism.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 歪风邪气 (wāi fēng xié qì): Evil winds and noxious influences; refers to unhealthy social trends that harm the well-being of society.
  • 乌烟瘴气 (wū yān zhàng qì): Black smoke and miasma; describes a situation or environment that is in utter chaos or foul with corruption.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 浩然正气 (hào rán zhèng qì): A noble and righteous spirit that is vast and unyielding.
  • 廉洁奉公 (lián jié fèng gōng): To be honest, incorruptible, and devoted to public service.
  • 大公无私 (dà gōng wú sī): To be completely fair and unselfish.link
  • 光明磊落 (guāng míng lěi luò): To be open and aboveboard in one's actions and character.link

6. Summary

The idiom 不正之风 (bù zhèng zhī fēng) is a formal expression used to criticize 'unhealthy trends' or 'corrupt practices' that take root in organizations or society. Rather than referring to a single person's mistake, it describes a pervasive atmosphere of corruption, such as bribery or nepotism. It is frequently used in news reports and business compliance contexts rather than casual conversation.