以身作则

*The explanations on this page are generated by AI. Please note that they may contain inaccurate information.

1. Basic Information

Pinyin: yǐ shēn zuò zé
English Translation: To lead by example / To set an example with one's own conduct
Idiom Composition: 「以」（Using; by means of (indicating the method or tool).）＋「身」（One's own body or actions; oneself.）＋「作」（To act as; to serve as; to become.）＋「则」（A rule, standard, or model to follow.）
Meaning: To serve as a model or standard for others through one's own actions rather than just words. It describes a leader, educator, or parent who practices what they preach to inspire others to follow.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「以身作则」 contains the following nuances:

Emphasis on Action: It is essential that the person's actual behavior (身) matches their words, rather than just giving verbal commands.
Role as a Standard: The action is not just a personal choice but serves as a 'rule' or 'standard' (则) that others are expected to follow.
Essence of Leadership: This is considered one of the most basic and important qualities for anyone leading a group or organization.

3. Usage

「以身作则」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

Organizational Leadership: Used when a superior follows discipline and works hard before expecting the same from subordinates.
- Example:「作为经理，他总是以身作则，每天第一个到公司，最后一个离开。」
  （As a manager, he always leads by example, being the first to arrive at the office and the last to leave every day.）
Education and Parenting: Used to emphasize that parents or teachers should demonstrate good behavior rather than just lecturing.
- Example:「父母应该以身作则，不在孩子面前沉迷手机。」
  （Parents should set an example with their own conduct and avoid being glued to their phones in front of their children.）
Public Duty and Morality: Used when public figures or officials are expected to uphold higher ethical standards.
- Example:「为了推行环保政策，市长以身作则，坚持骑自行车上班。」
  （To promote environmental policies, the mayor led by example by continuing to commute to work by bicycle.）

Additional Examples:

要想让团队信服，领导者必须以身作则。
（If you want the team to be convinced, the leader must lead by example.）
老师不仅要传授知识，更要以身作则，培养学生的品德。
（Teachers should not only impart knowledge but also set a personal example to cultivate the character of their students.）
哥哥在弟弟面前总是以身作则，从不撒谎。
（The older brother always sets a good example in front of his younger brother and never tells lies.）
只有管理者以身作则遵守制度，员工才会认真执行。
（Only when managers lead by example in following the rules will employees take execution seriously.）
他在节约用水方面以身作则，连洗菜水都会收集起来冲厕所。
（He leads by example when it comes to water conservation, even collecting water used for washing vegetables to flush the toilet.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

Confucian Roots: The spiritual core of this idiom is found in the Analects (论语), specifically the Zilu (子路) chapter where Confucius (孔子) says: 'If a leader's own conduct is correct, things will get done even without orders' (其身正，不令而行). This reflects the Chinese cultural emphasis on 'Rule by Virtue' (德治).
Modern Application: It is frequently used in political slogans and corporate codes of conduct. It is the standard phrase used when 'consistency between words and actions' (言行一致) is required.
Nuance Comparison: While 身先士卒 (shēn xiān shì zú) emphasizes 'courage' and 'taking the initiative' in dangerous or difficult tasks, 以身作则 (yǐ shēn zuò zé) is broader, referring to being a model of 'discipline' and 'rule-following' in daily life.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

Similar Idioms:
- 身先士卒 (shēn xiān shì zú): To charge at the head of one's men; to take the lead in difficult or dangerous tasks.
- 言传身教 (yán chuán shēn jiào): To teach by both word and example; to influence others through both speech and conduct.
Opposite Idioms:
- 以身试法 (yǐ shēn shì fǎ): To defy the law personally; to knowingly break the law and risk the consequences.
- 上行下效 (shàng xíng xià xiào): Those below follow the example of those above (often used to describe the spread of bad habits or corruption).
- 指手画脚 (zhǐ shǒu huà jiǎo): To gesticulate and make a lot of hand movements while talking.link
- 弄虚作假 (nòng xū zuò jiǎ): To practice fraud or deception.link

6. Summary

以身作则 (yǐ shēn zuò zé) is a fundamental Chinese idiom used to praise leaders or authority figures who 'lead by example.' Instead of merely issuing orders, the individual demonstrates the desired behavior or adherence to rules through their own conduct. It is a highly positive expression frequently used in business, education, and family contexts to describe the integrity of those in guiding positions.