身体力行

身體力行
shēntǐ-lìxíng
idiom #40,155

Meanings

  1. 1 to practice what one preaches
  2. 2 to lead by personal example
  3. 3 to carry out oneself with all one's might

Examples

HSK 5
Tā tíchàng jiéyuē, bìngqiě shēntǐ-lìxíng.
He advocates saving and practices it himself.
HSK 5
Hǎode lǐngdǎo yào shēntǐ-lìxíng, bùnéng zhǐ shuō bú zuò.
Good leaders must lead by example - not just talk without action.

Tips

history
Combines 《淮南子·氾论训圣人 ('the sage experiences it with his own body') and 《礼记·中庸力行 ('vigorous action is close to benevolence'). Confucian, the idea that knowing isn't enough without doing.
usage
Strongly positive; used to praise someone (often a leader, teacher, or parent) who matches words with actions. Often paired with 率先 (to take the lead) or contrasted with 言行不一 (words and deeds don't match).

Stroke Order

shēn
xíng