# 路不拾遗

lù bù shí yí

A community is so honest that lost items remain untouched

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Nobody takes what is dropped on the road

**Traditional Chinese:** 路不拾遺

**Register:** General · spoken & written

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

## When to use it

Use an idealized image to praise public honesty.

It is strong praise rather than a practical instruction to leave lost property unattended.

## The image & its use

The picture is of a dropped possession remaining available for its owner because passersby do not take it for themselves. The expression praises an atmosphere of trust and honesty. It is often paired with another idealized description of community life. Such praise is broad, so context matters. In everyday practice, returning a lost item through an appropriate place can be more helpful than leaving it where it might be damaged or difficult to find.

## Examples

故事把小镇描写得路不拾遗。

### Traditional Chinese

故事把小鎮描寫得路不拾遺。

gù shì bǎ xiǎo zhèn miáo xiě dé lù bù shí yí 。

The story portrays the town as exceptionally honest.

这里的人乐于归还失物，颇有路不拾遗之风。

### Traditional Chinese

這裡的人樂於歸還失物，頗有路不拾遺之風。

zhè lǐ de rén lè yú guī huán shī wù ， pō yǒu lù bù shí yí zhī fēng 。

People here willingly return lost property, showing a strong spirit of honesty.

路不拾遗是对公共诚信的高度赞美。

### Traditional Chinese

路不拾遺是對公共誠信的高度讚美。

lù bù shí yí shì duì gōng gòng chéng xìn de gāo dù zàn měi 。

The expression strongly praises public honesty.

即使路不拾遗，也要妥善保管自己的东西。

### Traditional Chinese

即使路不拾遺，也要妥善保管自己的東西。

jí shǐ lù bù shí yí ， yě yào tuǒ shàn bǎo guǎn zì jǐ de dōng xī 。

Even in a trusted community, take care of your belongings.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 7, 2026.

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=1139&webMd=1&la=0)

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E8%B7%AF%E4%B8%8D%E6%8B%BE%E9%81%BA)

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