清官 (qīng guān) — honest and upright official (in imperial China)

Definition

An honest, upright official in imperial China — a recurring ideal, often contrasted with 贪官 ('corrupt official'). Used today mostly in historical or literary contexts to praise incorruptible figures like 包拯.

noun

honest and upright official (in imperial China)

Measure word · 个

Examples

清官。
Lì shǐ shàng yǒu hěn duō qīng guān de gù shi.
There are many stories of honest officials in history.
清官。
Bǎi xìng dōu xī wàng yù dào yí wèi qīng guān.
The common people all hope to encounter an upright official.
清官。
Bāo zhěng shì sòng dài zhù míng de qīng guān.
Bao Zheng was a famous honest official of the Song dynasty.

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