无可厚非

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: wú kě hòu fēi
• English Translation: Not something to be heavily criticized; can be forgiven or excused; understandable under the circumstances
• Idiom Composition: 「无」（without, none）＋「可」（can, able to）＋「厚」（excessive, overly）＋「非」（to blame, to criticize）
• Meaning: It means that something cannot be excessively criticized. Although there may be some issues, considering the circumstances, it is understandable and within an acceptable range.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「无可厚非」 contains the following nuances:

• Partial understanding: Used to express a certain level of understanding or empathy towards an action or situation, even if it cannot be fully approved.
• Acceptable range: Indicates that something is not perfect but falls within an acceptable range.
• Consideration of circumstances: Suggests that given certain situations or backgrounds, the action or decision was unavoidable.
• Room for defense: Implies that although there are points to criticize, there is room for excuse or justification.

3. Usage

「无可厚非」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Excuse or defense: Used to soften criticism or provide an excuse for an action or decision.
  • Example:「虽然他迟到了，但考虑到他家离公司很远，也无可厚非。」
    （Although he was late, considering that his home is far from the company, it is understandable.）
• Evaluation or judgment: Used to evaluate something as acceptable overall despite some flaws.
  • Example:「这个计划虽然不够完善，但时间紧迫，也无可厚非。」
    （Although this plan is not perfect, due to time constraints, it is excusable.）
• Objective explanation: Used to objectively explain an action or situation and show a certain level of understanding.
  • Example:「在资源有限的情况下，他们做出了这样的选择，也无可厚非。」
    （Given limited resources, their choice is understandable.）

Additional Examples:

1. 年轻人犯点错误无可厚非，关键是要从中吸取教训。
   （It is understandable for young people to make some mistakes; the key is to learn lessons from them.）
2. 为了保护自己，他在那种情况下撒了谎，也无可厚非。
   （To protect himself, he lied in that situation, which is also excusable.）
3. 作为初学者，他在比赛中输了，无可厚非。
   （As a beginner, it is understandable that he lost the match.）
4. 追求利润是企业的本性，无可厚非。
   （Pursuing profit is the nature of a business and is not something to be criticized.）
5. 每个人都有自己的生活方式，只要不违法，就无可厚非。
   （Everyone has their own lifestyle, and as long as it is legal, it is not subject to criticism.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• The spirit of moderation: '无可厚非' reflects the traditional Chinese value of moderation, avoiding extreme criticism and favoring balanced judgment.
• Relative evaluation: This idiom expresses a relative assessment based on circumstances and context rather than an absolute standard.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 情有可原 (qíng yǒu kě yuán): There are circumstances that make it forgivable.
  • 无伤大雅 (wú shāng dà yǎ): Does not affect the overall situation; no serious harm done.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 罪大恶极 (zuì dà è jí): Extremely serious crimes.
  • 无可救药 (wú kě jiù yào): Hopeless; beyond remedy.

6. Summary

'无可厚非' expresses tolerance based on understanding the circumstances, rather than mere forgiveness or compromise. When using this idiom, it is important to objectively judge whether the action or decision truly falls within an acceptable range. Additionally, reflecting the Chinese value of moderation, it encourages avoiding extreme criticism and maintaining balanced expression.