是非 shìfēi right and wrong
right and wrong; quarrel
How to remember 是非: 是 is + 非 not = right and wrong.
Characters
How it is used
- Right and wrong, or the trouble/gossip that comes with it - 明辨是非 (míngbiàn shìfēi) tell right from wrong; 惹是非 (rě shìfēi) stir up trouble, 说是非 (shuō shìfēi) gossip and cause discord.
- The 'quarrel/gossip' sense (是非之地, 搬弄是非) is distinctive and negative - interpersonal trouble, not just moral judgment.
Example sentences
- 他是非不分。 Tā shìfēibùfēn.He has no sense of right and wrong.
- 他是非常有想像力的作家。 Tā shì fēicháng yǒu xiǎngxiànglì de zuòjiā.He is a very imaginative writer.
- 他被卷进了是非中。 Tā bèi juǎnjìn le shìfēi zhōng.He was involved in the trouble.