B2 Expression Formal 4 min read

坚守职业道德

jianshou zhiye daode

Uphold professional ethics

Literally: Firmly guard professional ethics

In 15 Seconds

  • Uphold professional ethics.
  • Act with integrity at work.
  • Crucial for trust and reputation.
  • Use in formal, serious contexts.

Meaning

This phrase is all about staying true to your professional principles. It means acting with integrity and honesty in your job, even when no one's watching or when faced with a tempting shortcut. It's about being a reliable and ethical person in your career.

Key Examples

3 of 12
1

Texting a friend about a job offer

这个工作薪水很高,但是我觉得公司文化不太对,我还是决定不去了,得 `坚守职业道德`。

This job pays really well, but I feel the company culture isn't quite right. I've decided not to go; I have to uphold professional ethics.

2

Giving a speech at a company event

各位同事,我们必须时刻牢记,`坚守职业道德`是我们成功的基石。

Colleagues, we must always remember that upholding professional ethics is the cornerstone of our success.

3

Discussing a colleague's actions

他拒绝了那个不合规的提议,真是 `坚守职业道德` 的典范。

He refused that non-compliant proposal; he's truly a model of upholding professional ethics.

🌍

Cultural Background

The concept of professional ethics has deep roots in Chinese culture, influenced by Confucianism's emphasis on integrity (`信`, xìn) and righteousness (`义`, yì). In modern China, rapid economic development has sometimes created ethical gray areas, making the explicit emphasis on `坚守职业道德` a crucial reminder of societal values. It reflects a societal need to balance progress with moral principles, ensuring trust and stability in professional interactions.

💡

Think 'Backbone'!

Imagine `坚守职业道德` as your professional backbone. It keeps you standing tall and straight, even when pressured. It’s about inner strength, not just outward rules.

💬

Beyond Just Rules

In Chinese culture, ethics often tie into concepts like 'face' (面子, miànzi) and reputation. `坚守职业道德` isn't just about personal integrity; it reflects well on your family, company, and even your social group.

In 15 Seconds

  • Uphold professional ethics.
  • Act with integrity at work.
  • Crucial for trust and reputation.
  • Use in formal, serious contexts.

What It Means

坚守职业道德 (jiān shǒu zhí yè dào dé) is a phrase that really hits home for anyone who cares about doing things the right way at work. It’s not just about following rules; it’s about having a strong internal compass guiding your actions. Think of it as your professional backbone – keeping you upright and honest. It implies a conscious effort to maintain high standards, especially when tested. It’s the quiet commitment to doing what’s right, not just what’s easy or profitable.

How To Use It

This phrase pops up in more serious discussions about work. You might use it when praising someone's integrity or when reminding yourself or others about important workplace values. Imagine a doctor refusing a bribe to overlook a patient's condition, or a journalist fact-checking rigorously before publishing. They are 坚守职业道德. It’s also great for performance reviews or ethical training. You could say, "Our company culture emphasizes 坚守职业道德 for all employees." It’s a bit like saying you're a professional who won't cut corners, no matter what.

Formality & Register

This phrase leans towards the formal side. You wouldn't typically text your buddy about 坚守职业道德 after a wild night out (unless you're *that* kind of friend!). It's perfect for speeches, official documents, company slogans, or serious conversations about integrity. Think boardroom meetings, not breakroom banter. Using it in a casual chat might sound a bit stiff, like wearing a tuxedo to a barbecue. But in the right context, it shows you understand and value professional standards.

Real-Life Examples

* News Article: "The whistleblower was praised for 坚守职业道德 despite facing immense pressure." This shows someone doing the right thing when it was difficult.

* Company Slogan: Many businesses use variations of this. "坚守职业道德, Serve the People" could be a motto.

* Job Interview: A candidate might say, "In my previous role, I always prioritized 坚守职业道德, even when faced with challenging deadlines."

* Ethical Debate: "How can we encourage young professionals to 坚守职业道德 in today's competitive market?"

When To Use It

Use 坚守职业道德 when you want to highlight:

  • Honesty and integrity in a professional setting.
  • Adherence to ethical codes and standards.
  • Resisting temptation or pressure to act unethically.
  • The importance of professional reputation.
  • Situations demanding high moral standards, like in law, medicine, or journalism.

It's perfect for formal speeches, company policies, or when discussing professional conduct seriously. It’s like putting on your professional superhero cape!

When NOT To Use It

Avoid 坚守职业道德 in:

  • Super casual conversations with friends about everyday life.
  • Lighthearted jokes or memes (unless done ironically).
  • Situations where the stakes are very low and ethics aren't a major concern.
  • Texting about weekend plans or sharing funny cat videos.

Using it inappropriately can make you sound overly serious or out of touch. It’s not for discussing your favorite pizza toppings, even if you *really* stick to your pepperoni principles!

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse this with simply following rules. 坚守职业道德 is deeper; it's about the *why* behind the rules. Another mistake is using it too casually. It carries weight, so don't toss it around like confetti.

Just following the rules 坚守职业道德 involves internal conviction.
Saying "I 坚守职业道德" after returning extra change Use it for significant professional actions.

Common Variations

While 坚守职业道德 is standard, you might hear related ideas:

  • 恪守本分 (kè shǒu běn fèn): Stick to one's duty/post. More about fulfilling responsibilities.
  • 光明正大 (guāng míng zhèng dà): Open and aboveboard. Emphasizes transparency.
  • 问心无愧 (wèn xīn wú kuì): To have a clear conscience. Focuses on the inner feeling after acting ethically.

These aren't direct synonyms but capture aspects of ethical conduct.

Real Conversations

Scenario 1: Colleagues discussing a difficult project.

* A: "This client wants us to cut corners on safety testing to meet the deadline. It feels wrong."

* B: "Absolutely. We have to 坚守职业道德. Our reputation depends on delivering a safe product, not just a fast one."

Scenario 2: Mentor advising a mentee.

* Mentor: "Remember, in this industry, trust is everything. Always 坚守职业道德, even when it's tempting to bend the rules a little."

* Mentee: "Got it. I understand the long-term importance of integrity."

Quick FAQ

  • Is it always serious? Mostly, yes. It implies significant ethical commitment.
  • Can it be used for personal life? Not really. It’s specifically about *professional* conduct.
  • What if I make a mistake? Owning up and correcting it is part of 坚守职业道德.

Usage Notes

This phrase is formal and carries significant weight. Use it in professional contexts like speeches, official reports, or serious discussions about integrity. Avoid using it in casual conversation or for mundane tasks, as it can sound overly dramatic or out of place.

💡

Think 'Backbone'!

Imagine `坚守职业道德` as your professional backbone. It keeps you standing tall and straight, even when pressured. It’s about inner strength, not just outward rules.

💬

Beyond Just Rules

In Chinese culture, ethics often tie into concepts like 'face' (面子, miànzi) and reputation. `坚守职业道德` isn't just about personal integrity; it reflects well on your family, company, and even your social group.

⚠️

Don't Use It Ironically (Usually!)

While humor is great, applying `坚守职业道德` to trivial matters like choosing a snack can fall flat or sound pretentious. Stick to contexts where actual ethical principles are at play.

🎯

Context is King

This phrase carries weight. Use it when discussing serious professional conduct, ethical dilemmas, or praising someone's strong moral compass at work. It signals you're talking about something important.

Examples

12
#1 Texting a friend about a job offer

这个工作薪水很高,但是我觉得公司文化不太对,我还是决定不去了,得 `坚守职业道德`。

This job pays really well, but I feel the company culture isn't quite right. I've decided not to go; I have to uphold professional ethics.

Here, the speaker connects ethical principles to choosing a workplace that aligns with their values, even if it means less money.

#2 Giving a speech at a company event

各位同事,我们必须时刻牢记,`坚守职业道德`是我们成功的基石。

Colleagues, we must always remember that upholding professional ethics is the cornerstone of our success.

This is a classic formal usage, emphasizing the phrase's importance for the company's foundation.

#3 Discussing a colleague's actions

他拒绝了那个不合规的提议,真是 `坚守职业道德` 的典范。

He refused that non-compliant proposal; he's truly a model of upholding professional ethics.

Used here to praise someone's strong ethical stance in a challenging situation.

#4 Instagram caption for a lawyer

作为一名律师,我深知 `坚守职业道德` 的重要性。#法律人生 #诚信为本

As a lawyer, I deeply understand the importance of upholding professional ethics. #LawLife #IntegrityFirst

Social media usage, keeping it concise but emphasizing the core professional value.

#5 WhatsApp message to a junior colleague

小王,关于那个项目的数据,一定要确保真实准确,要 `坚守职业道德` 哦!别想着糊弄过去。

Xiao Wang, regarding the data for that project, you must ensure it's real and accurate. Uphold professional ethics! Don't think about glossing over it.

A slightly more direct, but still friendly, reminder in a messaging context.

#6 Humorous take on personal habits

我对我每天只吃一顿饭这件事,那是 `坚守职业道德`!别问,问就是减肥。

Regarding my habit of eating only one meal a day, that's upholding professional ethics! Don't ask, just assume it's for weight loss.

Humorous, ironic usage applying a formal phrase to a personal, non-professional choice.

#7 Emotional reflection on career choice

虽然经历了许多困难,但我从未动摇过 `坚守职业道德` 的决心。

Although I've faced many difficulties, I've never wavered in my determination to uphold professional ethics.

Expresses strong personal conviction and resilience in maintaining ethical standards.

Common mistake: Using in casual context Common Mistake

✗ 昨天打游戏没睡好,今天得 `坚守职业道德` 认真工作。

✗ Didn't sleep well playing games yesterday, today I must uphold professional ethics and work hard.

#9 Correcting the casual mistake

✓ 昨天打游戏没睡好,今天得 `打起精神` 认真工作。

✓ Didn't sleep well playing games yesterday, today I must `pull myself together` and work hard.

The original phrase is too formal; `打起精神` (dǎ qǐ jīngshén - pull yourself together/buck up) is more appropriate for this casual context.

Common mistake: Overly simplistic application Common Mistake

✗ 他只是准时上班,这就是 `坚守职业道德` 吗?

✗ He just shows up to work on time, is this upholding professional ethics?

#11 Correcting the simplistic mistake

✓ 他只是准时上班,这只是最基本的要求,离 `坚守职业道德` 还差得远。

✓ He just shows up to work on time; this is just the most basic requirement, far from upholding professional ethics.

Shows that punctuality alone isn't enough; 'upholding professional ethics' implies deeper moral commitment.

#12 Job interview question

面试官:请描述一次您在工作中 `坚守职业道德` 的经历。

Interviewer: Please describe an experience where you upheld professional ethics at work.

A common interview question designed to assess a candidate's integrity.

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 坚守职业道德

This sentence requires a phrase that means adhering to professional standards, especially in a medical context. `坚守职业道德` fits perfectly.

Choose the sentence that uses `坚守职业道德` correctly.

Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: C

Option C correctly applies the phrase to the professional responsibilities of a lawyer. Options A, B, and D use it inappropriately in casual or incorrect contexts.

Find and fix the error in the sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

While '坚持' (jiānchí - persist) is a valid verb, '坚守' (jiānshǒu - firmly guard/uphold) is the standard and more fitting verb used with '职业道德' (zhíyè dàodé - professional ethics) to convey the sense of steadfastly maintaining them.

Translate this sentence into Chinese.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

`坚守` (jiānshǒu) means to firmly hold onto or uphold, which is appropriate for ethical principles. `职业道德` (zhíyè dàodé) is the standard term for professional ethics.

🎉 Score: /4

Visual Learning Aids

Formality Spectrum of 坚守职业道德

Very Casual

Not typically used here.

Eating pizza.

Casual

Rarely used, might sound stiff.

Texting friends about weekend plans.

Neutral/Semi-Formal

Can be used carefully in workplace chats or emails.

Discussing project ethics with a colleague.

Formal

Very appropriate; common in professional settings.

Company policy documents, speeches.

Very Formal

Highly appropriate; used in official statements.

Legal or ethical code pronouncements.

Where You'll Hear 坚守职业道德

Upholding Professional Ethics
💼

Job Interview

Interviewer asks about ethical dilemmas.

🎓

Company Training

Ethics seminar discussing workplace conduct.

📰

News Report

Discussing a whistleblower's actions.

⚖️

Professional Consultation

Lawyer advising a client on ethical boundaries.

🏛️

Academic Discussion

Debating ethical standards in a field.

🏆

Award Ceremony

Honoring someone for integrity.

坚守职业道德 vs. Related Concepts

坚守职业道德
坚守职业道德 Uphold professional ethics
恪守本分
恪守本分 Stick to one's duty/role
光明正大
光明正大 Open and aboveboard; transparent

Scenarios Requiring Ethical Conduct

Honesty

  • Truthful reporting
  • Accurate accounting
  • Admitting mistakes
💎

Integrity

  • Resisting bribes
  • Avoiding conflicts of interest
  • Keeping promises
🛡️

Responsibility

  • Patient safety
  • Product quality
  • Confidentiality
⚖️

Fairness

  • Impartial judgment
  • Equal treatment
  • Ethical sourcing

Practice Bank

4 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase. Fill Blank beginner

作为一名医生,你必须时刻 ______,把病人的健康放在第一位。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 坚守职业道德

This sentence requires a phrase that means adhering to professional standards, especially in a medical context. `坚守职业道德` fits perfectly.

Choose the sentence that uses `坚守职业道德` correctly. Choose intermediate

Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: C

Option C correctly applies the phrase to the professional responsibilities of a lawyer. Options A, B, and D use it inappropriately in casual or incorrect contexts.

Find and fix the error in the sentence. Error Fix intermediate

Find and fix the mistake:

在工作中,我们应该 `坚持职业道德`。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 在工作中,我们应该 `坚守职业道德`。

While '坚持' (jiānchí - persist) is a valid verb, '坚守' (jiānshǒu - firmly guard/uphold) is the standard and more fitting verb used with '职业道德' (zhíyè dàodé - professional ethics) to convey the sense of steadfastly maintaining them.

Translate this sentence into Chinese. Translate advanced

The company requires all employees to uphold professional ethics.

Hints: Think about the verb for 'uphold' in a strong sense., 'Professional ethics' is a fixed term.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 公司要求所有员工 `坚守职业道德`。

`坚守` (jiānshǒu) means to firmly hold onto or uphold, which is appropriate for ethical principles. `职业道德` (zhíyè dàodé) is the standard term for professional ethics.

🎉 Score: /4

Frequently Asked Questions

20 questions

At its core, 坚守职业道德 means to firmly uphold the ethical standards expected in your profession. It's about acting with integrity, honesty, and responsibility in your job, especially when faced with choices.

No, 坚守职业道德 is not typically used in casual, everyday chats. It's reserved for more formal or serious discussions related to work, business, or professional conduct. You're more likely to see it in company slogans or during ethical training sessions.

Generally, no. The term 职业 (zhíyè) specifically means 'profession' or 'occupation'. While the underlying principles of honesty and integrity are universal, this phrase is strongly tied to conduct within a professional context.

You'd use 坚守职业道德 when highlighting integrity in the face of temptation, discussing professional responsibility, praising someone's ethical behavior, or in contexts like job interviews where your ethical stance is assessed.

It's considered quite formal. Think of official documents, speeches, or serious workplace discussions. Using it in a casual text message might sound overly serious or even a bit out of place, like wearing a suit to a picnic.

Yes, depending on the context. You might say someone is 做事认真 (zuòshì rènzhēn - serious/conscientious about work) or 靠谱 (kàopǔ - reliable). However, these don't carry the same specific weight of ethical principles as 坚守职业道德.

Following rules is about compliance, whereas 坚守职业道德 implies a deeper, internal commitment to ethical principles. It's about the 'why' behind the rules – doing the right thing because it *is* right, not just because it's required.

Certainly. Imagine a salesperson who refuses to oversell a product or hide its flaws, even if it means losing a sale. They prioritize honesty and the customer's best interest over immediate profit, thus 坚守职业道德.

The concept applies broadly! Whether you're a barista, a software developer, or a delivery driver, there are ethical standards for your role. 坚守职业道德 encourages you to perform your duties honestly and responsibly, whatever your job entails.

The core meaning remains consistent across Mandarin-speaking regions. However, the frequency of its use might vary. In business contexts or formal settings, you'll find it widely understood and valued everywhere.

A frequent error is using it in overly casual situations or applying it to simple tasks that don't involve significant ethical judgment. For instance, saying 'I need to 坚守职业道德 to wake up early' misses the mark because it's about professional integrity, not just discipline.

Yes, common phrases include 违背职业道德 (wéibèi zhíyè dàodé - violate professional ethics) or 不讲职业道德 (bù jiǎng zhíyè dàodé - not observe professional ethics). Sometimes, more severe actions might be described as 失德 (shīdé - lose virtue/morals).

Often, yes. The phrase suggests that upholding ethics might sometimes require foregoing personal gain, convenience, or popularity. It highlights the strength needed to prioritize principles over easier, potentially unethical, options.

Companies often promote 坚守职业道德 as a core value. It shapes the work environment, influencing how employees treat clients, colleagues, and the business itself. A strong emphasis on this phrase fosters trust and a positive reputation.

The vibe is serious, respectable, and principled. It evokes a sense of trustworthiness and reliability. It's not about being rigid, but about having a strong moral compass guiding your professional actions.

It can, but it needs to be done carefully to avoid sounding arrogant. It's often more natural to describe *actions* that demonstrate this principle, or for someone else to praise you for it. Saying 'I always 坚守职业道德' might be perceived differently than 'In that situation, I chose to 坚守职业道德'.

The literal translation is 'firmly guard/uphold professional ethics'. 坚守 (jiānshǒu) means to firmly hold onto or guard, and 职业道德 (zhíyè dàodé) means professional ethics.

Yes, it connects to traditional values like integrity (, xìn) and righteousness (, yì). Confucian principles emphasize moral conduct, which is reflected in the modern emphasis on professional ethics in various fields.

That's precisely when 坚守职业道德 becomes crucial. It means resisting that temptation and choosing the path of honesty and integrity, even if it's harder or less profitable in the short term.

Think about ethical scenarios in your current or past jobs. Try writing sentences describing how you or others acted ethically. You can also look for examples in news articles about business or professional conduct.

Related Phrases

🔗

恪守本分

related topic

Stick to one's duty or post

While `坚守职业道德` focuses on ethical principles, `恪守本分` emphasizes fulfilling one's specific responsibilities diligently.

🔗

光明正大

related topic

Open and aboveboard; transparent

`坚守职业道德` is about the internal compass, while `光明正大` describes actions that are transparent and free from deceit.

🔗

问心无愧

related topic

To have a clear conscience

This phrase describes the feeling *after* acting ethically, a potential outcome of `坚守职业道德`.

↔️

违背职业道德

antonym

Violate professional ethics

This is the direct opposite of `坚守职业道德`, describing actions that go against ethical standards.

🔄

诚实守信

synonym

Honest and trustworthy

This phrase highlights key components of professional ethics, closely aligning with the spirit of `坚守职业道德`.

🔗

尽职尽责

related topic

Perform one's duty responsibly

It relates to professional conduct but focuses more on diligence and responsibility rather than the moral principles of `坚守职业道德`.

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