📖 Meaning
The four traditional virtues expected of women in feudal Chinese society: moral character, proper speech, domestic skill, and dignified appearance. These were codified in Confucian ritual texts as the standard for female conduct. The phrase reflects patriarchal norms that shaped women's education throughout imperial China.
📜 Origin Story
This phrase originates from the 'Hun Yi' chapter of the Liji (Book of Rites, 《礼记·昏义》), a foundational Confucian text compiled during the Han dynasty that documented ancient ritual practices. It enumerates the four qualities a bride was expected to cultivate: virtuous character, refined speech, skilled handiwork, and graceful demeanor. These standards governed women's education and social expectations for centuries. The phrase is also commonly written as 德言容功, with the final two characters in reversed order.
💡 Example Usage
旧时女子以德言工容为修身之本，方称贤妇。
In former times, a woman took virtue, speech, work, and appearance as the foundation of self-cultivation to be considered a worthy wife.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 德言工容
- Pinyin: dé yán gōng róng
- Literal Translation: virtue, speech, work, appearance
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4