反躬自省

fǎngōng-zìxǐng
idiom

Meanings

  1. 1 to examine oneself; to engage in self-reflection
  2. 2 to turn inward and reflect on one's own conduct

Examples

HSK 4
Zuòwéi lǐngdǎo, tā jīngcháng fǎngōng-zìxǐng.
As a leader, he frequently engages in self-reflection.
HSK 7-9
Yùdào cuòzhé, yīnggāi fǎngōng-zìxǐng.
When setbacks come, one should reflect on oneself.

Tips

history
From 《礼记·乐记》: 好恶无节于内,知诱于外,不能反躬,天理灭矣 (if one cannot turn inward and reflect, heavenly principle is lost). A core Confucian practice - here is xǐng, 'to examine'.
mistakes
here is xǐng (3rd tone, to examine), NOT shěng (to save). Compare 反省 with the same meaning.

Stroke Order

fǎn
gōng
shěng