敬鬼神而遠之 jìng guǐ shén ér yuǎn zhī

respect the spirits but keep away

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency Unknown

Definitions

  1. 1. to respect Gods and demons from a distance (idiom); to remain at a respectful distance

Characters

Character Meaning
敬 jìng HSK 5
to respect; to offer; to salute
鬼 guǐ HSK 5
ghost; demon
神 shén HSK 5
God; deity; expression
而 ér HSK 3
and; but (not); (indicates contrast)
遠 yuǎn
far; distant; remote
之 zhī HSK 4
(possessive particle, literary equivalent of 的de); it