特立独行

特立獨行

tèlì-dúxíng

idiom #21,286

Meanings

1 to be unconventional
2 to go one's own way
3 to stand apart from the crowd
4 independence of action

Characters

special / unique

to stand / to establish oneself

alone / independent

to go / conduct / behavior

Examples

他一向特立独行，不在意别人的看法。

Tā yīxiàng tèlìdúxíng, bù zàiyì biérén de kànfǎ.

He has always gone his own way and doesn't care about others' opinions.

这位艺术家以特立独行的风格著称。

Zhèwèi yìshùjiā yǐ tèlìdúxíng de fēnggé zhùchēng.

This artist is known for his unconventional style.

在保守的社会里，她的特立独行引人注目。

Zài bǎoshǒu de shèhuì lǐ, tā de tèlìdúxíng yǐnrénzhùmù.

In a conservative society, her independent ways attracted attention.

Tips

usage

特立独行 can carry either admiration (free spirit, individualist) or mild criticism (difficult, non-conformist) depending on context and tone. The classical source refers to a person of exceptional moral character who stands apart.

Stroke Order

特 tè

立 lì

独 dú

行 xíng