温おん良りょう恭きょう倹けん譲じょう

noun, expression

cordial, obedient, respectful, modest, and moderate

A set phrase describing the ideal Confucian virtues, originally said of Confucius. Rare in modern conversation; mainly encountered in classical or literary contexts.

• 論ろん語ごには「温おん良りょう恭きょう倹けん譲じょう」という言こと葉ばが出でてくる。

  The phrase 'cordial, obedient, respectful, modest, and moderate' appears in the Analects.