与人为善

與人為善

yǔrén-wéishàn

idiom #34,155

Meanings

1 to deal with people benevolently; to help others do good
2 to be kind and well-intentioned in one's dealings with others

Characters

Examples

HSK 7-9

他一向与人为善，所以人缘很好。

Tā yīxiàng yǔrénwéishàn, suǒyǐ rényuán hěn hǎo.

He's always been kind to others, which is why he gets along so well with people.

HSK 7-9

做事要与人为善，不要斤斤计较。

Zuòshì yào yǔrénwéishàn, bùyào jīnjīnjìjiào.

Be kind to others in what you do, don't haggle over every little thing.

Tips

history

From 《孟子·公孙丑上》: 取诸人以为善，是与人为善者也。故君子莫大乎与人为善 - 'to take from others to do good is to do good with them; nothing in a gentleman is greater than this.' The original meaning is 'to join with others in doing good.'

usage

Modern sense ('be benevolent toward others') is broader than Mencius's original ('do good together with others'). Both senses survive; modern usage dominates everyday speech.

Stroke Order

与 yǔ

人 rén

为 wéi

善 shàn