大公无私

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: dà gōng wú sī
• English Translation: impartial and selfless, utterly fair and just
• Idiom Composition: 「大」（greatly, extremely）＋「公」（public, fair）＋「无」（without, not）＋「私」（selfishness, private interest）
• Meaning: Being fair and impartial, without any personal bias or self-interest. Describes someone who is extremely fair and doesn't let personal gain or emotions distort their judgment.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「大公无私」 contains the following nuances:

• Complete fairness: Refers to eliminating all personal emotions and interests, making objective and fair judgments and actions.
• Noble character: Expresses a noble character and attitude that doesn't pursue personal gain but always prioritizes public interests.
• Strong sense of responsibility: Describes someone who is aware of their position and role, and selflessly fulfills their duties to carry out their responsibilities.

3. Usage

「大公无私」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Character evaluation: Used to praise someone's character or behavior, especially for leaders or public officials.
  • Example:「他是一位大公无私的领导，深受员工爱戴。」
    （He is an impartial and selfless leader who is deeply respected by his employees.）
• Describing behavior: Used when specifically describing fair judgments or actions.
  • Example:「法官大公无私地审理了这起案件。」
    （The judge tried this case impartially and selflessly.）
• Presenting an ideal: Used to illustrate the position or attitude that should be fair and just.
  • Example:「作为一名公务员，应该时刻牢记大公无私的原则。」
    （As a public servant, one should always keep the principle of impartiality and selflessness in mind.）

Additional Examples:

1. 这位经理在处理员工问题时一向大公无私，因此得到了大家的信任。
   （This manager is always impartial and selfless when handling employee issues, earning everyone's trust.）
2. 在选拔人才时，我们应该大公无私，唯才是举。
   （When selecting talent, we should be impartial and selfless, promoting only those with ability.）
3. 面对金钱的诱惑，他依然保持大公无私的本色，拒绝了贿赂。
   （Even when faced with financial temptation, he still maintained his impartial and selfless nature and refused bribes.）
4. 只有大公无私的人，才能赢得真正的尊重。
   （Only impartial and selfless people can earn true respect.）
5. 她以大公无私的精神，为社区做出了巨大的贡献。
   （She made great contributions to the community with her impartial and selfless spirit.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Confucian influence: 大公无私 (dà gōng wú sī) reflects the Confucian spirit of 'gong' (public good). In Confucianism, prioritizing the benefit of society over personal interests is considered a virtue.
• An idealistic concept: 大公无私 represents an ideal that is difficult to achieve in reality. However, this phrase serves as a guiding principle for people to strive for fairness and justice.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 公正无私 (gōng zhèng wú sī): Being fair and without selfishness.
  • 秉公办事 (bǐng gōng bàn shì): Handling matters according to fair principles.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 徇私舞弊 (xùn sī wǔ bì): Engaging in corruption for personal gain.
  • 偏听偏信 (piān tīng piān xìn): Listening to and believing only one side's story, lacking fairness.

6. Summary

大公无私 is a chengyu that embodies the traditional Chinese value of 'gong' (public spirit). Even in modern society, it remains an important phrase that promotes fair judgment and action. Understanding and mastering this idiom will not only enhance your Chinese expression skills but also deepen your understanding of Chinese culture.