Definition
正气 (zhèngqì) refers to moral integrity and a healthy, upright atmosphere in society — broader than personal honesty. It differs from 诚信 (trustworthiness in dealings), 骨气 (unyielding backbone in adversity), 廉正 (official integrity), and 人格 (personal dignity). In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it also means vital energy, the body's resistance to disease.
noun
integritymoral rectitudehealthy atmosphere (in society)(noun, traditional Chinese medicine) vital energy (the body's resistance to disease)
Easily confused
- 整齐zhěng qísound-alikeneat, tidy, orderly
- 争气zhēng qìsound-aliketo bring credit to; to live up to expectations; to work hard so as not to let someone down
Examples
- 正气，。Zuòrén yào yǒu zhèng qì, bù néng wèile lìyì chūmài péngyou.A person should have integrity and not betray friends for profit.
- 正气，。Shèhuì yīngdāng chàngdǎo zhèng qì, dǎjī wāifēng xiéqì.Society should advocate healthy atmosphere and combat unhealthy trends.
- 正气。Zhōngyī rènwéi zhèng qì bùzú shí rén jiù róngyì shēngbìng.TCM believes that when vital energy is insufficient, people are prone to get sick.
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