📖 Meaning
To consider the needs and interests of others before thinking of oneself. It describes a selfless attitude of prioritizing others and embodying altruism and moral integrity.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the 'Book of Rites' (礼记·坊记), a Confucian classic compiled during the Han dynasty. In the text, Confucius (referred to as 'the Master,' 子) states that a gentleman values others above himself, putting others first and himself second. The saying reflects the Confucian ideal of benevolence (仁) and proper ethical conduct in social relationships.
💡 Example Usage
他在工作中始终先人后己，赢得了同事们的尊敬。
He always puts others before himself at work, earning the respect of his colleagues.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 先人后己
- Pinyin: xiān rén hòu jǐ
- Literal Translation: first, others, after, self
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4