‘侠义’ (xiá yì) is a compound noun formed from 侠 (xiá), meaning ‘chivalrous hero’ or ‘knight-errant’, and 义 (yì), meaning ‘righteousness’, ‘justice’, or ‘moral duty’. Together, they express the ethical ideal of acting bravely and selflessly to uphold justice, protect the weak, and honor one’s word—core values in traditional Chinese martial arts literature and historical narratives.

This term carries strong cultural resonance, evoking figures like the legendary ‘xia’ who lived by personal moral codes beyond formal law. It’s commonly used in literary, historical, and moral discussions—not in everyday casual speech—but appears frequently in novels, films, essays, and speeches about integrity and social responsibility. While rooted in classical ideals, ‘侠义’ remains relevant today as a metaphor for courageous moral action in modern contexts.