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以身作则 (yǐ shēn zuò zé) — to set an example (by one's own actions); to serve as a model

Definition

A chengyu: 'lead by example,' emphasizing that the person uses their OWN conduct as the model. Unlike 带头, which just means taking the initiative, 以身作则 stresses personal conduct setting the standard.

phrase
to set an example (by one's own actions)to serve as a model

Examples

  • ，，。
    Zuò wéi lǎo shī, tā chù chù yǐ shēn zuò zé, shēn shòu xué shēng zūn jìng.
    As a teacher, he sets an example in every way and is deeply respected by his students.
  • 以身作则，。
    Lǐng dǎo zhǐ yǒu yǐ shēn zuò zé, cái néng ràng xià shǔ xìn fú.
    Only by setting an example can a leader win the trust of subordinates.
  • 以身作则，。
    Fù mǔ yīng gāi yǐ shēn zuò zé, hái zi zì rán huì gēn zhe xué.
    Parents should set an example, and their children will naturally follow suit.

Origin

Characters in this word

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

The shape came from a drawing of a person carrying something; in 以, part of that person is still visible on the right.

Open 以 →

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

The shape of 身 comes from a drawing of a pregnant woman.

Open 身 →

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
亻Written in full as人rénperson
Sound part声符shēngfú
乍
乍zhà作zuò
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

The left side 亻 comes from 人, meaning 'person', and the right side 乍 gives the sound.

Open 作 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 則; 则 is its simplified writing.

  • 鼎鼎dǐngding, a bronze cauldron for cooking or sacrificial rituals
  • 刂刀dāoknife

The traditional form 則 pairs 鼎, a bronze cauldron, with 刂, a knife, possibly showing carving on a bronze vessel; the simplified 则 is a later shorthand.

Open 则 →
Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 7-9Idioms & Set PhrasesPersonality & Traits

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