# 道貌岸然

dào mào àn rán

Appear solemnly respectable while concealing hypocrisy

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** A dignified face and imposing manner

**Register:** Critical · literary

[People & connection](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/relationships)

## When to use it

Criticize a sanctimonious appearance masking misconduct.

Modern tone is usually negative, not simple praise of dignity.

## Understanding the expression

A serious face and imposing bearing create an impression of moral authority. In modern use, the expression usually exposes a mismatch between that appearance and the person's actual conduct. A hypocrite may lecture others while violating the same standards privately. The outward dignity is not itself wrong. The criticism depends on the concealed contradiction, so a quiet or formal manner alone should not be treated as evidence of dishonesty or moral pretension.

## Examples

他道貌岸然，却私下收受贿赂。

### Traditional Chinese

他道貌岸然，卻私下收受賄賂。

tā dào mào àn rán ， què sī xià shōu shòu huì lù 。

He appears respectable but privately accepts bribes.

小说中的老师道貌岸然，欺骗学生。

### Traditional Chinese

小說中的老師道貌岸然，欺騙學生。

xiǎo shuō zhōng de lǎo shī dào mào àn rán ， qī piàn xué shēng 。

The teacher in the novel hides deception behind respectability.

别被他道貌岸然的外表骗了。

### Traditional Chinese

別被他道貌岸然的外表騙了。

bié bèi tā dào mào àn rán de wài biǎo piàn le 。

Do not be fooled by his sanctimonious appearance.

调查揭穿了这位道貌岸然的骗子。

### Traditional Chinese

調查揭穿了這位道貌岸然的騙子。

diào chá jiē chuān le zhè wèi dào mào àn rán de piàn zi 。

The investigation exposed the seemingly respectable fraudster.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E9%81%93%E8%B2%8C%E5%B2%B8%E7%84%B6)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=589&webMd=1&la=0)

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