noun HSK 5
pǐn xíng
moral character · conduct · behavior

Meaning

品行 refers to a person's moral character and ethical conduct. It encompasses how someone behaves, their integrity, and their adherence to moral principles. This word is used to evaluate someone's overall moral quality and reputation in society.

Usage

品行 is a formal term commonly used in written Chinese, official evaluations, and serious discussions about character. It often appears in contexts like school reports, job references, or moral judgments. Native speakers might say someone has 品行端正 (upright character) or 品行不端 (improper conduct).

Examples

  1. 01
    这个学生品行端正,深受老师喜爱。
    Zhège xuésheng pǐnxíng duānzhèng, shēn shòu lǎoshī 'ài.
    This student has upright character and is well-loved by teachers.
  2. 02
    公司招聘时不仅看重能力,也很注重应聘者的品行
    Gōngsī zhāopìn shí bùjǐn kànzhòng nénglì, hěn zhùzhòng yìngpìn zhě de pǐnxíng.
    When hiring, the company values not only ability but also pays great attention to the applicant's moral character.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 品行端正
    pǐn xíng duān zhèng
    upright character
  • 品行不良
    pǐn xíng liáng
    bad conduct
  • 品行不端
    pǐn xíng duān
    improper conduct
  • 品行优良
    pǐn xíng yōu liáng
    excellent character

Origin

品 originally depicted three mouths, suggesting evaluation or quality. 行 means conduct or behavior. Together, 品行 literally means 'quality of conduct,' forming a compound that emphasizes moral character.

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