tiān天heavenjīng经scripturedì地earthyì义righteousness
Absolutely right and proper; principles of heaven and earth; a matter of course.
Literal meaning
heaven (天) — scripture (经) — earth (地) — righteousness (义)
Origin
A classical four-character phrase referring to principles as immutable as heaven and earth.
Examples
Xiào孝jìng敬fù父mǔ母shì是tiān天jīng经dì地yì义de的shì事qing情。
It is a matter of course to respect one's parents.
Bǎo保hù护huán环jìng境shì是tiān天jīng经dì地yì义de的zé责rèn任。
Protecting the environment is an inherent responsibility.
Usage & nuances
Used to emphasize that something is morally correct and beyond question.
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