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

HSK 7-9

他一向特立独行，不在意别人的看法。

Tā yīxiàng tèlì-dúxíng, bù zàiyì biérén de kànfǎ.

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

HSK 7-9

这位艺术家以特立独行的风格著称。

Zhè wèi yìshùjiā yǐ tèlì-dúxíng de fēnggé zhùchēng.

This artist is known for his unconventional style.

HSK 7-9

在保守的社会里，她的特立独行引人注目。

Zài bǎoshǒu de shèhuì lǐ, tā de tèlì-dúxíng yǐnrén-zhùmù.

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