对得起 duìdeqǐ not to let somebody down
not to let somebody down; to treat somebody fairly; be worthy of
How to remember 对得起: 对 correct + 得 get + 起 rise up = not to let somebody down.
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How it is used
- To be worthy of / not let someone down - 这样做才对得起父母 (zhèyàng zuò cái duìdeqǐ fùmǔ) doing this is the only way to live up to my parents.
- A moral-conscience phrase: to have done right by someone; negative 对不起 (duìbuqǐ) is both 'sorry' and 'to have failed/wronged' them.
- Often 对得起自己的良心 (duìdeqǐ zìjǐ de liángxīn) to have a clear conscience.