📖 Meaning
To associate broadly and harmoniously with others without forming factions or conspiring for private gain. It describes a person of integrity who is sociable and fair to all, rather than cliquey or self-serving. The term contrasts true inclusiveness with partisan scheming.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the 'Wei Zheng' chapter of the Analerta (Lunyu), the collected sayings of Confucius (551–479 BCE) compiled during the Spring and Autumn period. Confucius stated, 'The gentleman is inclusive (周) but does not collude (比),' drawing a sharp contrast between the noble person's broad-minded sociability and the petty person's tendency to form self-serving factions. The character 周 conveys completeness and inclusiveness, while 比 implies partiality and clique-forming. The phrase became a classical touchstone for principled, equitable conduct in social relationships.
💡 Example Usage
他为人公正，周而不比，深受同事敬重。
He is fair-minded, sociable with all yet free of factional scheming, and is deeply respected by his colleagues.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 周而不比
- Pinyin: zhōu ér bù bǐ
- Literal Translation: inclusive, yet, not, collude
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4