Chinese Term:
Pinyin:
德
Dé
Recommended English:
De (recommended in philosophical and classical contexts)
Attainment (when emphasizing the ancient meaning of “that which is obtained”)
Realization (when referring to the manifestation or fulfillment of Dao)
Virtue (when referring to moral cultivation or ethical character)
Inner Power (when emphasizing inherent moral influence)
Moral Character (when referring to personal conduct)
Moral Influence (when referring to the transformative influence of virtue)
Category:
Chinese Classics
English Interpretation:
Dé (德) is one of the central concepts in classical Chinese thought. Ancient scholars often explained the character as "Dé means attainment" (德者，得也), indicating something that is realized, attained, or brought into being.
In the Dao De Jing, the upper section discusses Dao, the fundamental principle underlying all existence, while the lower section discusses De, the realization, manifestation, and efficacy of Dao. In this sense, De is not merely moral virtue, but the living expression of Dao in individuals, society, and the natural world.
In Confucian thought, De further came to represent moral character, self-cultivation, and the inner power that enables a person to influence others through integrity rather than force.
Its meaning should always be understood within its textual and historical context.
中文释义：
德是中国经典中最核心的概念之一。古人常释“德”为“得”，所谓**“德者，得也。”** 即有所获得、有所成就，表示事物实现后的成果、效用或内在力量。
《道德经》上篇论“道”，主要阐述宇宙万物的根本原则；下篇论“德”，主要说明“道”的体现、落实与作用。因此，“德”不仅是现代意义上的道德品德，更是“道”在人、万物以及社会中的具体实现、成果与效用。
在儒家思想中，“德”进一步发展为人格修养、道德品质以及以德化人的力量，是个人立身、治国与教化的重要基础。
理解“德”的含义，应结合具体经典及其历史背景，而不宜作单一而固定的解释。
Translation Note | 翻译说明：
There is no single English equivalent for Dé.
Although Virtue is the most common translation, it does not fully capture the richness of the original concept. In classical Chinese, Dé may refer to attainment, inner power, moral character, beneficial influence, or the realization of Dao in action.
IAK therefore recommends selecting the English translation according to context rather than adopting a single fixed equivalent. In philosophical discussions or when preserving the original meaning of classical Chinese texts, retaining the transliterated form De is often the most accurate choice.
“德”没有唯一对应的英文词汇。
虽然 Virtue 是最常见的译法，但并不能完整表达“德”的丰富内涵。在中国经典中，“德”既可以表示“得”的本义，也可以表示内在力量、人格修养、道德品质、感化力量，以及“道”的具体体现。
因此，IAK 建议根据具体语境选择相应的英文译法，而不采用固定的单一对应词。在哲学讨论或需要保留中国经典原意的场合，可直接采用音译 De，以更准确地表达这一概念。
Classical Source:
Dao De Jing《道德经》
上德不德，是以有德。
The highest De does not consciously display virtue; therefore, it truly embodies De.
Analects《论语》
志于道，据于德，依于仁，游于艺。
Set your aspiration upon the Dao, establish yourself through De, rely on Ren, and find fulfillment through the arts.
The Great Learning《大学》
大学之道，在明明德。
The way of great learning begins with illuminating one's innate moral excellence.
Book of Documents《尚书》
惟德动天。
Only genuine De has the power to move the highest moral order.
Related Terms:
道
仁
礼
义
智
信
天
命