三纲五常 — “The three cardinal guides (ruler guides subject”

三纲五常 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “the three cardinal guides (ruler guides subject”. Father guides son, and husband guides wife) and the five constant virtues (benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and fidelity), representing traditional feudal moral principles and human relationships. Literally, “Three Cardinal Guides and Five Constant Virtues”.

Frequency

三纲五常 Pronunciation and Pinyin

三纲五常 Character Breakdown

Stroke Order

Character	Pinyin	Strokes	Meaning
三	sān	3	the number three
纲	gāng	7	main rope, outline, class
五	wǔ	4	the number five
常	cháng	11	constant, often, ordinary

Example Sentence with 三纲五常

尽管现代社会观念不断演变，但许多人仍然认为传统文化中的三纲五常在家庭教育中仍有其价值。

Although modern societal concepts are constantly evolving, many people still believe that the three cardinal guides and five constant virtues in traditional culture still hold value in family education.

Origin and Story of 三纲五常

During the Spring and Autumn period, after Confucius and his disciples encountered difficulties traveling through various states, he returned to the State of Lu with the help of Ran Qiu. Confucius found himself at odds with Ji Kangzi, and therefore devoted himself to writing and editing works such as "The Book of Odes," "The Book of History," "The Book of Rites," "The Book of Music," and "The Spring and Autumn Annals."

At the same time, he also lectured openly, discussing philosophy with his disciples and formally summarizing social norms like the Three Cardinal Guides and Five Constant Virtues.