# 一介不取

yī jiè bù qǔ

Accept nothing improper, however small

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Take not even the smallest thing

**Register:** Positive · literary

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

## When to use it

Praise strict integrity about money or gifts.

It concerns improper gain, not refusing earned pay.

## Understanding the expression

The smallest unit stands for even a negligible benefit. Refusing it establishes a strict boundary around integrity: a tiny improper gift is still improper. The expression commonly praises someone who handles public money or another person's property without seeking advantage. It need not mean rejecting legitimate wages or reimbursement. The moral focus is on refusing what one has no right to take, regardless of its seemingly insignificant value.

## Examples

他办理手续一介不取。

### Traditional Chinese

他辦理手續一介不取。

tā bàn lǐ shǒu xù yī jiè bù qǔ 。

He accepts no improper payment for processing paperwork.

她管理捐款，始终一介不取。

### Traditional Chinese

她管理捐款，始終一介不取。

tā guǎn lǐ juān kuǎn ， shǐ zhōng yī jiè bù qǔ 。

She manages donations without taking anything for herself.

老人归还钱包，一介不取。

### Traditional Chinese

老人歸還錢包，一介不取。

lǎo rén guī huán qián bāo ， yī jiè bù qǔ 。

The old man returned the wallet and took nothing.

审计确认他一介不取，没有收礼。

### Traditional Chinese

審計確認他一介不取，沒有收禮。

shěn jì què rèn tā yī jiè bù qǔ ， méi yǒu shōu lǐ 。

The audit confirmed he accepted no improper gifts.

## 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=%E4%B8%80%E4%BB%8B%E4%B8%8D%E5%8F%96)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=425&webMd=1&la=0)

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