座右铭 zuòyòumíng motto
motto; maxim
How to remember 座右铭: 座 measure word for mountains, bridges and buildings + 右 right + 铭 to engrave = motto.
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How it is used
- A personal motto/maxim one lives by - 他的座右铭是'诚实为本' (tā de zuòyòumíng shì 'chéngshí wéi běn') his motto is 'honesty first'.
- Literally the inscription kept 'at the right of one's seat'; a guiding personal creed.
- Distinct from 格言 (géyán, an aphorism in general); 座右铭 is specifically one's own chosen motto.