# 德高望重

dé gāo wàng zhòng

Be highly respected for virtue and standing

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Virtue is high and reputation weighty

**Register:** Formal · literary

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

## When to use it

Praise earned moral authority in a community.

Reputation should be supported by conduct.

## Understanding the expression

The expression pairs admirable character with the respect that character earns. It describes someone whose judgment carries weight because others trust their integrity, often an elder or community leader. It is formal and warmly respectful. Age or a prestigious title alone does not supply the moral quality. Consistent fairness, service, and care make the description meaningful. The phrase explains why people voluntarily seek guidance rather than merely obeying someone who holds power.

## Examples

这位老师德高望重。

### Traditional Chinese

這位老師德高望重。

zhè wèi lǎo shī dé gāo wàng zhòng 。

This teacher is highly respected for moral character.

居民请德高望重的老人调解。

### Traditional Chinese

居民請德高望重的老人調解。

jū mín qǐng dé gāo wàng zhòng de lǎo rén tiáo jiě 。

Residents asked the respected elder to mediate.

她德高望重，却待人随和。

### Traditional Chinese

她德高望重，卻待人隨和。

tā dé gāo wàng zhòng ， què dài rén suí hé 。

She is deeply respected but approachable.

他多年公正办事，终于德高望重。

### Traditional Chinese

他多年公正辦事，終於德高望重。

tā duō nián gōng zhèng bàn shì ， zhōng yú dé gāo wàng zhòng 。

Years of fair conduct earned him great respect.

## 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=%E5%BE%B7%E9%AB%98%E6%9C%9B%E9%87%8D)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=1018&webMd=1&la=0)

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