# 堂堂正正

táng táng zhèng zhèng

Act openly, uprightly, and with dignity

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Imposing and properly ordered

**Register:** General · spoken & written

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

## When to use it

Praise conduct that is honest, straightforward, and dignified.

An impressive manner alone does not establish honest conduct.

## The image & its use

A person who explains their choices openly and gives proper credit to others can carry themselves with justified dignity. This expression describes upright, straightforward conduct as well as an impressive orderly bearing. In a discussion of character, the actions matter more than the appearance. Clear explanations, fair treatment, and consistency provide a basis for the praise. A formal posture or confident voice can look impressive without showing those qualities, so connect the expression with what the person actually does.

## Examples

她堂堂正正地说明自己的决定。

### Traditional Chinese

她堂堂正正地說明自己的決定。

tā táng táng zhèng zhèng dì shuō míng zì jǐ de jué dìng 。

She explained her decision openly and with dignity.

做事要堂堂正正，不隐瞒重要信息。

### Traditional Chinese

做事要堂堂正正，不隱瞞重要信息。

zuò shì yào táng táng zhèng zhèng ， bù yǐn mán zhòng yào xìn xī 。

Act honestly and openly without concealing important information.

他凭自己的努力，堂堂正正地获得了机会。

### Traditional Chinese

他憑自己的努力，堂堂正正地獲得了機會。

tā píng zì jǐ de nǔ lì ， táng táng zhèng zhèng dì huò dé le jī huì 。

He earned the opportunity fairly through his own effort.

堂堂正正的合作需要清楚的约定和相互尊重。

### Traditional Chinese

堂堂正正的合作需要清楚的約定和相互尊重。

táng táng zhèng zhèng de hé zuò xū yào qīng chǔ de yuē dìng hé xiāng hù zūn zhòng 。

Upright cooperation requires clear agreements and mutual respect.

## 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=1479&webMd=1&la=0)

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E5%A0%82%E5%A0%82%E6%AD%A3%E6%AD%A3)

## Keep exploring

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- [体贴入微 tǐ tiē rù wēi Show thoughtful care in every detail ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/ti-tie-ru-wei)

- [恬不知耻 tián bù zhī chǐ Show no shame about wrongdoing ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/tian-bu-zhi-chi)

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