Chinese characters and pinyin
Simplified: 己所不欲，勿施于人
Traditional: 己所不欲，勿施於人
Pinyin: jǐ suǒ bù yù, wù shī yú rén
Literal translation
What you do not desire for yourself, do not impose on others.
Natural English meaning
Treat others with the consideration you would want for yourself.
Closest English equivalent
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
The Chinese formulation is prohibitive—do not impose—while the English Golden Rule is often stated positively.
When to use it
Use it when discussing empathy, fairness, or ethical conduct.
When not to use it
Avoid presenting it as a literal rule; the force of the saying depends on context and tone.
Example sentence
你不喜欢被打断，也别打断别人，己所不欲，勿施于人。
If you dislike being interrupted, do not interrupt others.
Origin and cultural context
A teaching recorded in the Analects and one of the best-known formulations of Confucian reciprocity.
Classification: classical quotation. This label distinguishes a complete proverb or popular saying from a compact idiom or a quotation preserved from a classical text.
