无可厚非

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: wú kě hòu fēi
• English Translation: Beyond heavy reproach (understandable)
• Idiom Composition: 「无」（None / Without）＋「可」（Can / May）＋「厚」（Heavily or excessively (in this context)）＋「非」（To criticize or blame）
• Meaning: To describe something that, while perhaps not perfect, is reasonable or understandable under the circumstances and therefore should not be criticized too severely.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「无可厚非」 contains the following nuances:

• Not Full Praise: This phrase does not mean something is 'excellent' or 'perfect.' Instead, it offers a passive form of acceptance, suggesting that the behavior is 'excusable' or 'within acceptable limits' rather than being worthy of high praise.
• The Meaning of 'Hou' (厚): In this idiom, 厚 (hòu) means 'excessive' or 'severe.' Therefore, the linguistic structure does not forbid criticism entirely, but rather argues that 'excessive' (厚) criticism (非) is not (无) warranted (可).

3. Usage

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

• Defending motives or circumstances: Used to defend someone who has made an unusual choice or acted in a way that seems selfish, by arguing that anyone in their position would likely do the same.
  • Example:「为了保护家人的安全，他选择隐瞒真相也是无可厚非的。」
    （His choice to hide the truth to protect his family's safety was beyond heavy reproach.）
• Justifying rights or desires: Used to argue that seeking a better life or prioritizing one's own interests is a natural human tendency and should not be judged.
  • Example:「年轻人追求更高的薪水和更好的发展机会，这本是无可厚非的事情。」
    （It is perfectly understandable for young people to seek higher salaries and better development opportunities.）

Additional Examples:

1. 虽然他的做法有些激进，但在当时那种紧急情况下也是无可厚非的。
   （Although his methods were somewhat radical, they were beyond reproach given the emergency at the time.）
2. 父母希望孩子能考上名牌大学，这种心情无可厚非。
   （It is only natural for parents to hope their children get into prestigious universities.）
3. 每个人都有自己的生活方式，只要不伤害别人，就无可厚非。
   （Everyone has their own lifestyle; as long as it doesn't hurt others, it is not to be criticized.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Origin: This idiom comes from the 'Biography of Wang Mang' in the Book of Han (汉书). When a subordinate failed, the historical figure Wang Mang (王莽) remarked that the person's actions were 'not yet to be heavily criticized' (未可厚非).
• Common Pitfall: Learners often confuse this with 无可非议 (wú kě fēi yì). While 无可非议 (wú kě fēi yì) implies something is flawless and 'above reproach,' 无可厚非 (wú kě hòu fēi) simply means it is 'understandable' despite potential flaws or lack of perfection.
• Modern Context: In modern society, it is frequently used to express respect for individual choices and diverse values, implying that a certain behavior is a matter of personal freedom and shouldn't be judged by others.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 情有可原 (qíng yǒu kě yuán): There are excusable circumstances; the situation is understandable given the context.link
  • 未可厚非 (wèi kě hòu fēi): The original form of the idiom, meaning 'not yet to be heavily criticized.'
  • 合情合理 (hé qíng hé lǐ): Conforming to both reason and common sense.link
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 无可非议 (wú kě fēi yì): Beyond reproach; perfectly correct and blameless (often confused as a synonym, but this represents total affirmation).
  • 岂有此理 (qǐ yǒu cǐ lǐ): Preposterous; outrageous; how can such a thing be possible (used for things that are completely unacceptable).link
  • 一无是处 (yī wú shì chù): To be good for nothing; to be utterly useless.link

6. Summary

The idiom 无可厚非 (wú kě hòu fēi) is used to defend someone's actions or ideas by suggesting they are within the bounds of reason. It implies that while the action might not be ideal, there are valid reasons for it. It is important to distinguish this from 无可非议 (wú kě fēi yì), which means 'beyond reproach' in the sense of being completely flawless.