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B2 noun 10 min read

操守

cāoshǒu

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 操守 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 操守 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '操守' (cāoshǒu) is a very advanced word that you don't need to use yet. However, you can think of it as 'being a very good and honest person at work.' Imagine a doctor who always helps people and never takes extra money secretly—that doctor has good '操守.' It is like the word 'good' (好) but only for big, important jobs. You can remember it as 'work goodness.' You won't hear this in basic greetings, but you might see it in a story about a hero. Just remember: it means someone who follows the rules and is very honest.

For A2 learners, '操守' (cāoshǒu) is a formal way to talk about 'honesty' and 'rules' in a professional setting. While you usually use '好人' (good person) or '诚实' (honest), '操守' is used for people like teachers, doctors, or police officers. It means they do their job correctly even when it's hard. For example, '职业操守' (zhíyè cāoshǒu) means 'job honesty' or 'professional ethics.' If you see this word in a reading, think about a person who is very serious about doing the right thing at their job. It's a noun, so you say someone 'has' (有) it or 'follows' (坚持) it.

At the B1 level, you should begin to recognize '操守' (cāoshǒu) as a specific term for 'moral integrity' or 'professional ethics.' It is more formal than '道德' (morality). You will encounter it in news articles about businesses or government. It's important to know that it is often used with '职业' (profession) to form '职业操守.' This refers to the code of conduct people must follow in their careers. If a journalist tells the truth even when they are scared, they are keeping their '操守.' It implies a sense of 'holding on' (操) to your 'defense' (守) of what is right. You can use it to describe someone's character in a formal essay.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use '操守' (cāoshǒu) accurately in formal contexts. It refers to the ethical principles and moral integrity that an individual maintains, especially in professional or public life. You should distinguish it from '素质' (quality/manners) and '品德' (personal character). '操守' focuses on the steadfast adherence to ethical standards. Common phrases include '坚持操守' (to adhere to integrity) and '违背操守' (to violate integrity). It is a key term in discussions about corporate social responsibility, legal ethics, and political transparency. You should be able to explain why a certain action might be a 'violation of professional ethics' (违背职业操守) using this term.

For C1 learners, '操守' (cāoshǒu) is a nuanced term used to evaluate the moral consistency of individuals in high-stakes environments. It carries a connotation of 'moral fortitude'—the strength to resist corruption or compromise. You should understand its historical roots in Confucian ethics, where 'integrity' was the hallmark of a scholar-official. In modern discourse, it is used to critique or praise the behavior of public figures, intellectuals, and corporate leaders. You should be able to use it in complex sentences, such as discussing the 'erosion of professional ethics' (职业操守的沦丧) in certain industries or the 'testing of one's integrity' (对操守的考验) in times of crisis. It is a vital word for high-level academic and professional communication.

At the C2 level, you should have a comprehensive grasp of '操守' (cāoshǒu) and its philosophical implications. It represents the internal regulation of the self against external pressures, a concept central to Chinese moral philosophy. You can use it to discuss the tension between 'professionalism' and 'personal gain,' or the role of 'integrity' in maintaining social trust. You should be able to compare it with related concepts like '节操' (moral integrity in adversity) and '廉洁' (incorruptibility) with precision. In a C2 context, '操守' is not just about following rules, but about the ontological commitment to a set of values. You might use it in legal theory, political philosophy, or high-level literary analysis to describe a character's internal moral architecture.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

操守 in 30 Seconds

A formal term for professional ethics and moral integrity.
Combines 'conduct' and 'guarding' to mean steadfast adherence to principles.
Used in serious contexts like law, medicine, politics, and academia.
Implies a high level of trustworthiness and moral fortitude.

The Chinese word 操守 (cāoshǒu) is a formal noun that translates most accurately to 'professional ethics,' 'moral integrity,' or 'personal conduct.' It is a compound word where 操 (cāo) refers to one's conduct, behavior, or the act of holding/operating, and 守 (shǒu) means to guard, defend, or remain faithful to a principle. Together, they describe the internal moral compass and the external adherence to ethical standards that a person maintains, particularly within a professional or official capacity. Unlike the more general term for morality, 道德 (dàodé), 操守 carries a weight of steadfastness; it suggests a person who 'guards' their character against corruption, temptation, or compromise. This word is most frequently encountered in contexts involving public service, law, medicine, journalism, and high-level corporate governance.

Professional Context: In the workplace, 操守 refers to the specific ethical codes one must follow. For example, a journalist's 职业操守 (zhíyè cāoshǒu) includes reporting the truth and protecting sources, regardless of external pressure.
Political and Official Context: For government officials, 操守 is synonymous with incorruptibility and the refusal to use public power for private gain. It is often paired with 廉洁 (liánjié), meaning 'clean and honest.'
Personal Integrity: Beyond work, it can describe a person's general character and their ability to remain true to their principles in the face of adversity, often referred to as 个人操守 (gèrén cāoshǒu).

作为一名律师，他始终坚持职业操守，拒绝了对方的贿赂。(As a lawyer, he always adhered to his professional ethics and refused the other party's bribe.)

The nuance of 操守 lies in its formality. You would rarely hear this word in a casual conversation between friends about a minor lie. Instead, it is used when discussing the fundamental principles that define a person's trustworthiness in society. It implies a long-term consistency in behavior. A person with 'good 操守' is seen as reliable and unshakeable. Conversely, 'violating one's 操守' (违背操守) is a serious accusation that suggests a fundamental betrayal of one's duties or character. In modern Chinese society, this term is central to discussions about 'professionalism' (专业主义) and 'social responsibility' (社会责任).

这家企业的成功不仅在于技术，更在于其严谨的商业操守。(The success of this enterprise lies not only in technology but more so in its rigorous business ethics.)

Historically, the term has roots in Confucian thought, where the 'gentleman' (君子) was expected to maintain his integrity even in poverty or under threat. Modern usage has shifted this toward professional environments, but the core meaning of 'moral steadfastness' remains unchanged. When you use this word, you are elevating the conversation to a level of serious character evaluation.

Using 操守 (cāoshǒu) correctly requires an understanding of its typical collocations and the formal tone it sets. It is almost always used as a noun, frequently modified by adjectives or other nouns to specify the type of ethics being discussed. The most common structure is [Type of Person/Profession] + 操守. Because it is a formal word, it often appears in written reports, formal speeches, and academic discussions.

Common Verb Pairings: Verbs that typically precede 操守 include 坚持 (jiānchí - to adhere to), 违背 (wéibèi - to violate), 考验 (kǎoyàn - to test), and 丧失 (sàngshī - to lose/forfeit).

金钱的诱惑往往会考验一个人的操守。(The temptation of money often tests a person's integrity.)

When describing someone who has high standards, you can say they have 高尚的操守 (gāoshàng de cāoshǒu - noble integrity) or 严谨的操守 (yánjǐn de cāoshǒu - rigorous ethics). If someone has failed in their duties, you might say they have 操守有问题 (cāoshǒu yǒu wèntí - has integrity issues) or have committed a 职业操守违规 (zhíyè cāoshǒu wéiguī - professional ethics violation).

这位法官以其公正无私和高尚的操守闻名。(This judge is famous for his impartiality and noble integrity.)

In a sentence, 操守 often acts as the object of a sentence describing a person's actions or the subject of a sentence describing a requirement for a role. For example, 'Integrity is the most important quality for a public servant' would be 对公职人员来说，操守是最重要的品质. Note that 操守 is non-countable; you cannot have 'one 操守' or 'many 操守s.' It is an abstract concept representing a set of principles.

如果一个医生失去了职业操守，他就不配行医。(If a doctor loses their professional ethics, they are not fit to practice medicine.)

Furthermore, 操守 is frequently used in legal documents and codes of conduct. You will see phrases like 《职业操守准则》 (Code of Professional Conduct). In these contexts, it is a technical term that encompasses specific rules and regulations that govern a profession. It is the yardstick by which professional behavior is measured and judged in a court of law or by a disciplinary committee.

You are most likely to encounter 操守 (cāoshǒu) in formal media, academic settings, and professional environments. It is a staple of news reporting in China, particularly when the news involves scandals, corruption, or exemplary public service. It is not a word you would use while buying vegetables at the market, but it is a word you would use in a job interview or a performance review.

In the News: When a high-ranking official is investigated for corruption, the news report might say their 政治操守 (zhèngzhì cāoshǒu - political integrity) has failed. Conversely, a hero might be praised for their 坚定的操守 (jiāndìng de cāoshǒu - firm integrity).

新闻频道正在讨论关于学术操守的问题。(The news channel is discussing issues regarding academic integrity.)

In universities, professors often lecture on 学术操守 (xuéshù cāoshǒu - academic integrity), emphasizing the importance of avoiding plagiarism and falsifying data. In the corporate world, human resources departments conduct training on 职业道德与操守 (zhíyè dàodé yǔ cāoshǒu - professional ethics and conduct) to ensure employees understand the company's values and legal obligations.

在面试中，考官可能会问你如何看待职业操守。(During an interview, the examiner might ask you how you view professional ethics.)

Additionally, you will find this word in historical biographies. Chinese history is rich with stories of 'incorruptible officials' (清官) who maintained their 操守 despite extreme pressure from corrupt emperors or powerful families. In this sense, the word connects modern professional standards with ancient Chinese virtues. If you are reading a formal essay (散文) or a philosophical text, 操守 is used to discuss the essence of a person's soul and their commitment to the 'Way' (道).

这部电影讲述了一位在乱世中坚守个人操守的学者。(This movie tells the story of a scholar who maintained his personal integrity in a chaotic world.)

Finally, in international relations and diplomacy, 操守 is used to describe the adherence of nations or organizations to international norms and ethical standards. It is a word that signifies high-level accountability and the expectation of honorable behavior in the global arena.

While 操守 (cāoshǒu) is a powerful word, it is often misused by learners who confuse it with other terms related to behavior or morality. The most common mistake is using it in a context that is too casual or using it interchangeably with 道德 (dàodé) without understanding the specific focus of 操守 on 'holding' and 'guarding' principles.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 道德 (Morality): 道德 is a broad term for morality and ethics in general. 操守 is more specific to the execution and maintenance of those morals, especially in professional roles. You can say someone has 'no 道德' (immoral), but saying someone has 'no 操守' usually implies they have specifically failed a professional or principled duty.

Incorrect: 他没洗手，真是没有操守。(He didn't wash his hands, he really has no integrity.) - This is too trivial for such a heavy word.

Another mistake is confusing 操守 with 素质 (sùzhì). 素质 refers to a person's overall quality, education, and manners. For instance, not spitting in public is a matter of 素质, but refusing a bribe is a matter of 操守. Using 操守 for minor social etiquette makes the speaker sound overly dramatic or linguistically imprecise.

Mistake 2: Using as a Verb: 操守 is a noun. You cannot '操守' something. You must '坚持' (adhere to) or '维护' (maintain) your 操守. Beginners often try to use it as an action word because of the character 操 (to operate).

Finally, learners sometimes confuse 操守 with 节操 (jiécāo). While they are similar, 节操 is even more intense and often refers to 'moral integrity' in a life-or-death or highly ideological sense. In modern internet slang, 节操 is often used jokingly (e.g., '掉节操' - to lose one's dignity/shame), whereas 操守 remains strictly formal and serious. Using 操守 in a joke might not land because it is too associated with professional gravity.

Correct: 他的职业操守无懈可击。(His professional integrity is beyond reproach.)

To avoid mistakes, always ask yourself: 'Is this about a professional duty or a fundamental life principle?' and 'Is the context formal?' If both are yes, 操守 is likely the correct word. If you are talking about being a 'nice person,' stick to 人品 (rénpǐn) or 道德.

To truly master 操守 (cāoshǒu), it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. Each has a slightly different shade of meaning and is used in different contexts. Understanding these differences will help you choose the most precise word for your needs.

1. 道德 (dàodé) - Morality/Ethics: The most general term. It covers all aspects of right and wrong. 道德 is the foundation, while 操守 is the specific application and maintenance of that foundation in one's life or career.
2. 节操 (jiécāo) - High Moral Principle/Integrity: Similar to 操守 but more intense. It often implies a person who refuses to yield to power or money at any cost. It has a more 'heroic' or 'classical' feel. In modern slang, 掉节操 means to do something shameless.
3. 廉洁 (liánjié) - Incorruptibility: Specifically refers to being honest and not taking bribes. It is often used as a component of a public servant's 操守.
4. 品德 (pǐndé) - Moral Character: Focuses on the internal quality of a person's heart and mind. While 操守 is about how you 'hold' your principles in action, 品德 is about who you are inherently.

Comparison: 职业道德 (Professional Morality) vs. 职业操守 (Professional Integrity). The latter sounds more rigorous and personal.

In a corporate setting, you might also hear 合规 (héguī - compliance). While 操守 is about moral principles, 合规 is about following the specific laws and company rules. A person can be 'compliant' but still have questionable 操守 if they find 'legal' ways to be unethical. Conversely, 正直 (zhèngzhí - upright/honest) is an adjective describing the person, whereas 操守 is the noun describing their standard of behavior.

When writing about a historical figure, 气节 (qìjié - moral courage) is another alternative. It refers to the courage to stand by one's principles in the face of death or extreme hardship. 操守 is the broader, more everyday (yet still formal) version of this steadfastness. By choosing between these words, you can signal to your reader exactly what kind of 'goodness' you are describing—whether it's simple honesty (诚实), professional standards (操守), or heroic integrity (气节).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient times, '操' was also a musical term for a type of melody, suggesting that '操守' might have a nuance of 'staying in tune' with moral harmony.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tsʰɑʊ̯⁵⁵ ʂoʊ̯²¹⁴⁻³⁵/

US /tsʰɑʊ̯⁵⁵ ʂoʊ̯²¹⁴⁻³⁵/

In Chinese, both syllables are generally given equal weight, but the 3rd tone 'shǒu' might be more prominent due to its pitch change.

Rhymes With

高 (gāo) 包 (bāo) 刀 (dāo) 手 (shǒu) 口 (kǒu) 走 (zǒu) 酒 (jiǔ) 久 (jiǔ)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'cāo' as 'kāo'. It should be a 'ts' sound.
Mixing up the tones, especially turning 'shǒu' into a 4th tone.
Pronouncing 'shǒu' like the English word 'show' without the retroflex 'r' quality.
Confusing 'cāo' with 'chāo'.
Failing to make the 'c' aspirated.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in news and formal texts but rarely in basic readings.

Writing 5/5

Requires knowledge of formal collocations and context.

Speaking 4/5

Used in formal speeches or serious discussions.

Listening 4/5

Recognizable in news broadcasts and professional settings.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

道德诚实坚持职业遵守

Learn Next

节操廉洁修养准则核心价值观

Advanced

气节恪守秉公办事徇私舞弊

Grammar to Know

Noun compounding in formal Chinese.

职业 + 操守 = 职业操守 (Professional Ethics)

Using '具有' for abstract qualities.

他具有高尚的操守。

The '在...下' structure for context.

在利益的诱惑下，他依然保持操守。

Using '违背' (violate) with abstract nouns.

这种做法违背了基本操守。

Abstract nouns as subjects of '影响' (affect).

一个人的操守会影响他的前途。

Examples by Level

他是一个有操守的医生。

He is a doctor with integrity.

Simple Subject + Verb + Object structure.

我们要学习他的操守。

We should learn from his integrity.

Using '学习' with an abstract noun.

操守很重要。

Integrity is very important.

Basic Subject + Adjective structure.

他很有操守。

He has a lot of integrity.

'很有' used to describe a quality.

老师讲了操守的意思。

The teacher explained the meaning of integrity.

Simple past action.

好人有操守。

Good people have integrity.

Generic statement.

这是职业操守。

This is professional ethics.

Identifying a concept.

他没有操守。

He has no integrity.

Negation with '没有'.

作为警察，他必须有职业操守。

As a policeman, he must have professional ethics.

Using '作为' (as a...) to set context.

不拿别人的钱是基本的操守。

Not taking other people's money is basic integrity.

Gerund-like phrase as a subject.

他的个人操守非常好。

His personal integrity is very good.

Possessive '的' with an abstract noun.

我们在工作中要坚持操守。

We must adhere to integrity in our work.

Using '在...中' for context.

违背操守是不对的。

Violating integrity is wrong.

Subject is an action phrase.

这家公司非常看重员工的操守。

This company values the integrity of its employees very much.

Using '看重' (to value/emphasize).

他因为操守问题被开除了。

He was fired because of integrity issues.

Using '因为...被...' for cause and effect.

我们要做一个有操守的人。

We should be people of integrity.

Noun phrase '有操守的人'.

职业操守是每个职场人的底线。

Professional ethics are the bottom line for every professional.

Using '底线' (bottom line) to emphasize importance.

尽管面临诱惑，他依然保持了高尚的操守。

Despite facing temptation, he still maintained noble integrity.

Using '尽管...依然...' (despite... still...).

学术操守要求我们不能抄袭别人的论文。

Academic integrity requires that we cannot plagiarize others' papers.

Using '要求' (require) followed by a clause.

这位记者因为坚守操守而受到了表彰。

This journalist was commended for upholding their integrity.

Using '因为...而...' for reason and result.

在利益面前，一个人的操守会受到考验。

In the face of interest, a person's integrity will be tested.

Using '在...面前' (in the face of).

法官的操守直接影响到法律的公正。

A judge's integrity directly affects the fairness of the law.

Subject-Verb-Object with an adverb '直接'.

他那种不屈不挠的操守令人敬佩。

His unyielding integrity is admirable.

Using '令人' (makes one feel...).

我们要加强对学生职业操守的教育。

We need to strengthen the education of students' professional ethics.

Using '加强对...的教育'.

如果失去了操守，一个人就失去了立身之本。

If one loses integrity, one loses the foundation of one's life.

Conditional '如果...就...' with an idiom-like phrase '立身之本'.

这位官员因违背政治操守而引咎辞职。

The official resigned due to a violation of political integrity.

Formal vocabulary: '引咎辞职' (resign taking the blame).

商业操守是建立长期合作伙伴关系的基础。

Business ethics are the foundation for building long-term partnerships.

Abstract noun as a foundation.

在复杂的商业环境中，如何保持操守是一个难题。

In a complex business environment, how to maintain integrity is a difficult problem.

Question phrase as the subject of the sentence.

律师必须严格遵守职业操守准则。

Lawyers must strictly abide by the code of professional conduct.

Using '严格遵守' (strictly abide by).

他的行为严重违背了科学家的职业操守。

His behavior seriously violated the professional ethics of a scientist.

Using '严重违背' (seriously violate).

我们应当建立一套完善的操守监督机制。

We should establish a complete mechanism for monitoring integrity.

Formal '应当' and '机制' (mechanism).

操守的修养需要长期的自我约束。

The cultivation of integrity requires long-term self-discipline.

Abstract concept '修养' (cultivation/attainment).

在权力的漩涡中，唯有坚定的操守能让他保持清醒。

In the whirlpool of power, only firm integrity can keep him clear-headed.

Metaphorical language: '权力的漩涡' (whirlpool of power).

这种丧失操守的行为极大地损害了行业的声誉。

This act of forfeiting integrity has greatly damaged the industry's reputation.

Using '丧失' (forfeit/lose) and '损害' (damage).

他以其无可挑剔的职业操守赢得了同行的尊重。

He won the respect of his peers with his impeccable professional ethics.

Using '无可挑剔' (impeccable/beyond reproach).

在道德滑坡的背景下，重申操守的重要性显得尤为迫切。

In the context of moral decline, reaffirming the importance of integrity seems particularly urgent.

Complex structure: '在...背景下' (in the context of).

学术操守的缺失会导致科研成果的公信力下降。

The lack of academic integrity will lead to a decline in the credibility of research results.

Using '缺失' (lack) and '公信力' (credibility).

他不仅在学术上造诣深厚，更在操守上堪称楷模。

He is not only profoundly accomplished in academia but also a role model in integrity.

Using '不仅...更...' and '堪称楷模' (can be called a role model).

操守的沦丧往往是从一些微小的利益交换开始的。

The erosion of integrity often begins with small exchanges of interest.

Using '沦丧' (erosion/loss) and '利益交换'.

对于公职人员而言，廉洁操守是其政治生命的灵魂。

For public servants, incorruptible integrity is the soul of their political life.

Metaphorical use of '灵魂' (soul).

操守并非一朝一夕之功，而是历经岁月淬炼后的精神自觉。

Integrity is not an overnight achievement, but a spiritual self-awareness tempered by years.

Literary style: '一朝一夕之功' and '精神自觉'.

在利益博弈的极端环境下，操守成为了衡量人性深度的标尺。

In the extreme environment of interest games, integrity becomes the yardstick for measuring the depth of human nature.

Abstract metaphors: '利益博弈' and '标尺'.

他那种近乎执拗的操守，在物欲横流的时代显得格外孤高。

His almost stubborn integrity seems exceptionally aloof in an era of rampant materialism.

Using '物欲横流' (materialism rampant) and '孤高' (aloof and noble).

制度的完善固然重要，但个体的道德操守依然是社会稳定的最后一道防线。

While the improvement of systems is important, individual moral integrity remains the last line of defense for social stability.

Using '固然...但...' (admittedly... but...).

当职业操守与生存压力发生冲突时，真正的勇者会选择前者。

When professional ethics conflict with survival pressure, the truly brave will choose the former.

Using '前者' (the former) to refer back to '职业操守'.

操守之于人格，犹根基之于大厦，不可须臾或缺。

Integrity is to personality as a foundation is to a building; it cannot be missing for a moment.

Classical analogy structure: '...之于...，犹...之于...'.

历史将铭记那些在黑暗岁月中依然坚守操守的灵魂。

History will remember those souls who still upheld their integrity during dark times.

Formal future tense '将' and '铭记' (remember/enshrine).

他对职业操守的极致追求，近乎一种宗教般的虔诚。

His ultimate pursuit of professional ethics is almost like religious devotion.

Using '虔诚' (devotion/piety).

Common Collocations

职业操守

政治操守

个人操守

学术操守

坚持操守

违背操守

丧失操守

高尚的操守

道德操守

严谨的操守

Common Phrases

操守廉洁

— To maintain integrity and be free from corruption. Often used for officials.

他为官多年，始终操守廉洁。

违背职业操守

— To go against the ethics of one's profession. A serious accusation.

泄露客户信息是违背职业操守的行为。

坚守操守

— To firmly stick to one's principles. Emphasizes persistence.

在诱惑面前，他选择了坚守操守。

操守有问题

— To have issues with one's integrity. A common way to describe a shady person.

传闻他的操守有问题，所以没被晋升。

丧失职业操守

— To lose or abandon professional ethics entirely.

这种丧失职业操守的行为必须受到严惩。

基本的操守

— The fundamental ethical standards one should have.

诚实是做人最基本的操守。

高尚的道德操守

— High-minded moral integrity. Used for praise.

他那高尚的道德操守赢得了大家的赞誉。

考验操守

— To test someone's integrity. Often used with money or power.

这次危机是对我们每个人操守的考验。

职业操守准则

— The written rules or code of conduct for a profession.

公司发布了新的职业操守准则。

个人道德操守

— One's personal moral code and adherence to it.

他非常注重个人道德操守的修养。

Often Confused With

操守 vs 道德

道德 is general morality; 操守 is specific, often professional, integrity.

操守 vs 节操

节操 is more heroic or used jokingly in slang; 操守 is strictly formal and professional.

操守 vs 素质

素质 refers to overall quality/manners; 操守 refers to moral principles.

Idioms & Expressions

"洁身自好"

— To keep oneself clean and avoid bad influences. Often used alongside 操守.

他在复杂的圈子里始终洁身自好，坚持操守。

Formal

"两袖清风"

— Literally 'clean breeze in both sleeves.' Refers to an official who is incorruptible.

他退休时依然两袖清风，操守令人敬佩。

Literary/Formal

"坚贞不屈"

— Firm and unyielding. Used to describe someone who won't compromise their 操守.

他在敌人面前坚贞不屈，守住了操守。

Formal

"见利忘义"

— To forget justice when seeing profit. The opposite of having 操守.

我们不能做一个见利忘义、丧失操守的人。

Informal/Formal

"克己奉公"

— To restrain oneself and serve the public. A key part of an official's 操守.

他一生克己奉公，操守高尚。

Formal

"光明磊落"

— Open and aboveboard. Describes the lifestyle of someone with great 操守.

他为人光明磊落，操守无暇。

Formal

"宁死不屈"

— Rather die than yield. Extreme persistence in one's 操守.

他宁死不屈，绝不违背自己的操守。

Formal/Historical

"冰清玉洁"

— Pure as ice and clean as jade. Often describes a woman's or an official's pure integrity.

她的操守冰清玉洁，不容置疑。

Literary

"不忘初心"

— Don't forget the original intention. Often used to encourage keeping one's 操守.

只有不忘初心，才能在诱惑面前守住操守。

Modern/Political

"廉洁奉公"

— Honest and devoted to public service.

廉洁奉公是公职人员应有的操守。

Formal/Official

Easily Confused

操守 vs 品行

Both refer to character and behavior.

品行 is more about general behavior and habits; 操守 is about adherence to moral/professional principles.

他的品行端正 (His conduct is upright) vs. 他的操守高尚 (His integrity is noble).

操守 vs 廉洁

Both are used for honest officials.

廉洁 specifically means 'not corrupt/no bribes'; 操守 is broader and includes all ethical principles.

廉洁奉公 (honest and public-spirited) is part of a 官员的操守.

操守 vs 正气

Both describe positive moral qualities.

正气 is the 'spirit' or 'aura' of righteousness; 操守 is the 'practice' of guarding principles.

一身正气 (full of righteousness) vs. 坚持操守 (adhering to integrity).

操守 vs 规矩

Both involve following rules.

规矩 refers to social norms or literal rules; 操守 is an internal moral commitment.

懂规矩 (knowing the rules/manners) vs. 有操守 (having integrity).

操守 vs 人品

Both describe a person's character.

人品 is casual and subjective; 操守 is formal and often objective/professional.

他人品不错 (He's a good guy) vs. 他的职业操守无懈可击 (His professional ethics are perfect).

Sentence Patterns

作为...，...是基本的操守。

作为一名记者，报道真实新闻是基本的操守。

在...面前，他依然坚守操守。

在巨额财富面前，他依然坚守操守。

...不仅是...的要求，更是...的体现。

职业操守不仅是工作的要求，更是个人修养的体现。

一旦丧失了...，后果将不堪设想。

一旦丧失了职业操守，后果将不堪设想。

...之于...，犹...之于...。

操守之于人格，犹根基之于大厦。

与其...，不如坚守操守。

与其随波逐流，不如坚守操守。

他是一个有...操守的人。

他是一个有职业操守的人。

请大家遵守...操守。

请大家遵守学术操守。

Word Family

Nouns

操作 (cāozuò - operation)

操场 (cāochǎng - playground)

守卫 (shǒuwèi - guard)

守法 (shǒufǎ - law-abiding)

Verbs

操心 (cāoxīn - to worry)

操持 (cāochí - to manage)

遵守 (zūnshǒu - to abide by)

守护 (shǒuhù - to protect)

Adjectives

操切 (cāoqiè - hasty)

守旧 (shǒujiù - conservative)

节操 (jiécāo)

品德 (pǐndé)

道德 (dàodé)

廉洁 (liánjié)

正气 (zhèngqì)

How to Use It

frequency

High in news and professional documents; low in daily casual speech.

Common Mistakes

Using 操守 as a verb. → 坚持操守 (Maintain integrity).
操守 is a noun, not an action. You cannot 'cao-shou' a rule.
Using it for trivial matters. → 他很有礼貌 (He is polite).
Don't say someone has 'no 操守' just because they forgot to say thank you. It's for serious ethics.
Confusing 操守 with 素质. → 职业操守 (Professional ethics).
素质 is general quality; 操守 is moral integrity. A polite person (high 素质) might still take a bribe (low 操守).
Using 操守 to mean 'operation'. → 操作 (Operation).
Because 操 can mean operate, beginners sometimes think 操守 means 'to keep operating'. It doesn't.
Incorrect tone on 'shǒu'. → cāoshǒu (1st and 3rd tones).
If you say it with the wrong tones, it might be misunderstood as 'cow show' or something else entirely.

Tips

Pair with Professional Titles

Always try to pair 操守 with a professional title like 医生 (doctor), 律师 (lawyer), or 记者 (journalist) to sound more natural.

Use with Formal Verbs

Use formal verbs like 恪守 (strictly abide by) or 秉承 (uphold) instead of simple verbs like 有 to sound more advanced.

Ideal for Business Writing

If you are writing a CV or a letter of recommendation in Chinese, mention 职业操守 to emphasize reliability.

Keep it Serious

Never use 操守 in a joke unless you are intentionally trying to sound overly dramatic or archaic.

Listen for Collocations

When listening to the news, notice how often it is followed by the word 廉洁 (incorruptible).

Understand the Confucian Root

Recognize that this word carries the weight of thousands of years of expectations for 'gentlemanly' behavior.

Use in Essays

Use this word when discussing social issues or character analysis in literature.

Differentiate from 节操

Remember that 节操 is more extreme; 操守 is the standard for professional life.

The 'Guard' Connection

Focus on the character 守 (guard) to remember that it's about protecting your values.

Pronunciation of 'Cāo'

Ensure you aspirate the 'C' sound; it's a sharp 'ts' with a puff of air.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine you are 'Operating' (操 - cāo) a machine, but you must 'Guard' (守 - shǒu) the safety rules. That is your integrity.

Visual Association

Imagine a person holding (操) a golden shield (守). The shield represents their principles that they protect at all costs.

Word Web

职业操守道德廉洁坚持违背考验高尚准则

Challenge

Try to write a short paragraph about your own '职业操守' in your current job or studies. Use at least three collocations from the list.

Word Origin

The term '操守' dates back to ancient Chinese texts. '操' (cāo) originally meant to hold or grasp something in the hand, later extending to mean conduct or behavior. '守' (shǒu) originally meant to guard a house or a border, later extending to mean keeping to one's principles.

Original meaning: To hold onto and guard one's principles or character.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese)

Cultural Context

Be careful when questioning someone's 操守; it is a very serious personal attack in Chinese culture.

The term is similar to 'Professional Ethics' but has a more personal, 'character-based' feel, similar to 'Integrity' in the Victorian sense.

Confucius' teachings on character. Historical figures like Bao Zheng (包拯), a model of 操守. Modern news stories about 'Integrity Models' (道德模范).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Job Interview

我非常看重职业操守。
在工作中，我始终坚持原则。
诚信是我的核心价值观。
我从不违背职业准则。

Academic Discussion

学术操守是科研的基石。
抄袭是严重违背操守的行为。
我们要维护学术的纯洁性。
引用必须规范。

News/Politics

该官员涉嫌违背政治操守。
加强廉洁操守教育。
公众对官员的操守非常关注。
建立操守监督体系。

Medical/Legal Ethics

医生的操守关乎生命。
律师必须保守客户秘密。
法律操守不容挑战。
职业道德委员会。

Personal Reflection

我需要反省自己的操守。
坚持操守需要勇气。
不为小利而动摇。
做人要有底线。

Conversation Starters

"你认为在职场中，职业操守和个人利益哪个更重要？"

"你听说过关于某位名人因为操守问题而名誉扫地的新闻吗？"

"在你们国家，医生和律师的职业操守有哪些具体的要求？"

"你觉得现在的社会是操守变好了还是变差了？"

"如果你的老板要求你做一件违背操守的事，你会怎么办？"

Journal Prompts

描述一次你的操守受到考验的经历。你是如何应对的？

写一写你心目中具有高尚操守的榜样是谁，为什么？

论述为什么在现代商业社会中，坚持操守依然是企业成功的关键。

如果一个人非常有才华但没有操守，你会录用他吗？请说明理由。

探讨家庭教育如何影响一个人未来职业操守的形成。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

While it is most commonly used in professional contexts (职业操守), it can also refer to '个人操守' (personal integrity) in a broader sense of maintaining one's principles in life. However, it remains a formal term regardless of the context.

Think of 道德 as the general 'rules of right and wrong' and 操守 as the 'steadfastness' with which a person follows those rules. 操守 emphasizes the act of guarding and maintaining one's integrity.

No, 操守 is a noun. You must use it with verbs like 坚持 (adhere to), 违背 (violate), or 丧失 (lose).

The word itself is neutral, but it is almost always discussed in terms of having 'good' 操守 or 'violating' it. It implies a standard that should be lived up to.

The most common and accurate translation is '职业操守' (zhíyè cāoshǒu).

It sounds a bit too formal for a child. For children, it's better to use '诚实' (honest) or '听话' (obedient). You might use it in a formal school report, but not in daily talk.

It refers to the political integrity of an official, meaning they are honest, follow the law, and don't use their power for personal gain.

No, it is a formal word. You will see it in newspapers, hear it on the news, or use it in professional settings like office meetings or academic papers.

It means to go against or violate one's moral principles or professional ethics, such as a lawyer lying in court.

'守' means to guard or protect. This highlights that integrity is something you must actively protect from being damaged by greed or temptation.