'Xiá qì' literally combines 'xiá' (chivalrous hero or martial knight-errant) and 'qì' (spirit, energy, or bearing), yielding the abstract noun meaning 'chivalrous spirit'—a noble, courageous, and selfless moral disposition rooted in traditional Chinese martial culture. It evokes ideals like defending the weak, keeping one’s word, acting with integrity, and placing justice above personal gain.

This term is often used to describe a person’s demeanor or inner quality rather than a concrete action; it appears frequently in classical literature, wuxia novels, films, and modern praise of morally upright individuals. Though historically tied to male martial heroes, contemporary usage may apply it more broadly—to anyone demonstrating principled courage, generosity, or quiet moral strength—even without physical bravery.