"Jian yi yong wei" means to bravely do what is righteous upon seeing it. It originates from The Analects, Book of Government: "To see what is right and not to do it is want of courage," emphasizing the courage and sense of responsibility one should have in the face of moral duty. Its deeper meaning lies in the fact that it is not merely a description of behavior, but a moral requirement: a sense of justice must be translated into practical action, rather than remaining merely at the level of awareness. It is mostly used to praise those who step forward in moments of crisis to uphold fairness and justice, such as stopping crime, rescuing others, or reporting wrongdoing. In terms of cultural background, it embodies the Confucian value of "righteousness as paramount," regarding "righteousness" as the highest standard of conduct and encouraging people to overcome fear and practice moral duty. Its emotional tone is positive, carrying admiration and approval. In modern society, it is often associated with expressions such as "promoting uprightness" and "conveying positive energy," inspiring the public to bravely take responsibility while ensuring their own safety.
📝 Example
1. He acted courageously for a just cause, jumping into the river to save a drowning child.
2. Facing a criminal's assault, several passersby acted courageously for justice, joining forces to subdue him and hand him over to the police.