📖 Meaning
To respect those above oneself and care for those below. It describes treating others with courtesy, humility, and proper regard regardless of their social standing.
📜 Origin Story
This phrase originates from the 'Book of Han' (汉书), specifically the 'Biography of Wang Mang' (王莽传下), compiled during the Eastern Han dynasty by Ban Gu. The original passage describes a person who is filial, loyal, and forgiving, who respects superiors and cares for subordinates, who is well-versed in ancient knowledge and possesses virtuous character without fault even into old age. The expression was used to praise exemplary moral conduct in social relationships.
💡 Example Usage
他在公司里敬上爱下，深受同事们的敬重。
He respects his superiors and cares for his subordinates at the company, earning the deep respect of all his colleagues.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 敬上爱下
- Pinyin: jìng shàng ài xià
- Literal Translation: respect, above, love, below
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4