天经地义

tiān jīng dì yì

HSK 3.0 Level 7 Rare

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Definitions

1. lit. heaven's law and earth's principle (idiom); fig. right and proper
2. right and unalterable
3. a matter of course

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Word relationships

Antonyms

1 item

• 大逆不道 dà nì bù dào 大逆不道 dà nì bù dào disgraceful (of behavior that is unfilial, rebellious or otherwise in grave breach of the norms of society) 与‘天经地义’相反，指严重违背常理正道。: disgraceful (of behavior that is unfilial, rebellious or otherwise in grave breach of the norms of society)

Synonyms

2 items

• 理所当然 lǐ suǒ dāng rán 理所当然 lǐ suǒ dāng rán as it should be by rights (idiom); proper and to be expected as a matter of course 两者都表示按道理应该如此，常可互换，但‘天经地义’语气更强，强调不可改变。: as it should be by rights (idiom); proper and to be expected as a matter of course
• 顺理成章 shùn lǐ chéng zhāng 顺理成章 shùn lǐ chéng zhāng logical 都指合乎情理，但‘顺理成章’侧重过程自然，‘天经地义’侧重原则性。: logical

Usage notes

Collocations

常与‘是’、‘的’构成‘是……天经地义的’或‘天经地义的事’。

Formality

多用于书面语和正式场合，强调原则性或道德义务。

Example Sentences

1 shown

孝敬父母是 天经地义 的事。

Filial piety is a matter of course.

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Child Words of 天经地义

• 地 地 de: -ly
• 地 地 dì: earth
• 天 天 tiān: day
• 经 经 jīng: classics
• 义 义 yì: justice