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伦理 (lún lǐ) — ethics

Definition

伦理 is a formal, academic term for 'ethics' — the system of moral principles, especially in professional fields like medicine or business. 道德 is the broader, everyday word for 'morality' in general behavior.

noun
ethics

Examples

  • 伦理。
    Zhè xiàng yán jiū bì xū zūn shǒu xué shù lún lǐ.
    This research must adhere to academic ethics.
  • 伦理。
    Yī shēng yào zūn xún yī xué lún lǐ.
    Doctors must follow medical ethics.
  • 伦理。
    Shāng yè lún lǐ zài xiàn dài shè huì hěn zhòng yào.
    Business ethics are very important in modern society.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
偏正piānzhèngModifier + head

The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.

伦lúnhuman relations
理lǐprinciples

伦理 names 理 (principles) governing 伦 (human relations).

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 倫; 伦 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
人人rén
Sound part声符shēngfú
侖
侖lún倫lún
Same sound today

The traditional form 倫 uses 人 to show people and 侖 to give its sound; the simplified 伦 is a later shorthand.

Open 伦 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
玉玉yùjade
Sound part声符shēngfú
里
里lǐ理lǐ
Same sound today

理 pairs 玉 (jade) with 里, which shows how to say it; the jade part points to the old sense of polishing jade.

Open 理 →
Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 7-9Abstract Concepts

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