德高望重

dégāowàngzhòng

idiom #31,386

Meanings

1 of noble character and high prestige
2 a person of great moral standing and reputation
3 highly respected for virtue

Characters

reputation; esteem

Examples

他是一位德高望重的老教授。

Tā shì yī wèi dégāowàngzhòng de lǎo jiàoshòu.

He is a highly respected senior professor of noble character.

德高望重的老人在村里最受尊敬。

Dégāowàngzhòng de lǎorén zài cūn lǐ zuì shòu zūnjìng.

Elders of great virtue and prestige are the most respected in the village.

请德高望重的张老来主持仪式。

Qǐng dégāowàngzhòng de Zhāng lǎo lái zhǔchí yíshì.

Let's ask the venerable Elder Zhang to preside over the ceremony.

Tips

history

From 《晋书·简文三子传》: 元显因讽礼官下仪，称已德隆望重 — describing Sima Yuanxian's claim to 'lofty virtue and weighty prestige.' Originally 德隆望重, later standardized to 德高望重.

usage

Reserved for elders or eminent figures — never ironic, never for the young. Usually paired with 长者, 老人, 前辈, or a surname.

Stroke Order

德 dé

高 gāo

望 wàng

重 zhòng