📖 Meaning
To examine oneself daily and cultivate one's character monthly. It describes the practice of constant self-reflection and steady moral self-improvement over time.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase comes from the Qing dynasty work 'Shuhua Suibi' (Brush-Talk Notes) by Yan Youxi, in the section titled 'Zhixian Gaishou' (The County Magistrate Reassigned). The original passage advises that an official should devote himself to reading and study, examining his conduct daily and refining his character monthly, waiting until he has matured before being entrusted with responsible office. The saying underscores the Confucian ideal that governance must be preceded by sustained personal cultivation.
💡 Example Usage
君子日省月修，不敢稍有懈怠。
The gentleman examines himself daily and cultivates his character monthly, never daring to slacken in the slightest.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 日省月修
- Pinyin: rì xǐng yuè xiū
- Literal Translation: day, examine, month, cultivate
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4