De (; ), also written as Te, is a key concept in Chinese philosophy, usually translated "inherent character; inner power; integrity" in Taoism, "moral character; virtue; morality" in Confucianism and other contexts, and "quality; virtue" (guna) or "merit; virtuous deeds" (punya) in Chinese Buddhism. The word Chinese de is an ancient word with complexities across several subfields of linguistics: namely in its semantics, orthography, and etymology. Meanings The Hanyu Da Zidian, provides twenty meanings for de , translatable as Rise, go up, climb, ascend. [] Morals, morality, virtue, personal conduct, moral integrity, honor. [] Denoting a wise/enlightened person with moral character. [] Kindness, favor, grace, graciousness. [] Grateful, gratefulness, thankful, indebted. [] Benevolent rule, good government, good instruction. [] Objective regulations/rules. [] Quality, nature, basic character, characteristics, attribute. [] Intention, purpose, heart, mind. For example: "Be of one heart and mind". [] In Five Phases theory, a reference to seasonally productive energy/air. [] First growth, initial stage, beginning of something. [] A phoenix-head pattern/decoration. [] Blessings, good fortune, happiness, resulting from benevolent actions. [] Used for zhí "straight, just". [(zhí)".] Used for zhí "to plant, grow, establish". Plant a tree. [(zhí)". ] Used for "get, obtain, result in". [] A national name. An abbreviation for the Republic of Germany during World War II. [] A star name. [] A river name. Another name for the Yellow River. [] A surname. [] This dictionary provides early usage examples, and all of these de meanings occur in Han or pre-Han Chinese classic texts, except for number 17 (de abbreviating Deutschland). Translating de into English is problematic and controversial. Arthur Waley believed that de was better translated "power" than "virtue", and explained with a "bank of fortune" metaphor. It is usually translated 'virtue', and this often seems to work quite well; though where the word occurs in early, pre-moralistic texts such a translation is in reality quite false. But if we study the usage of the word carefully we find that de can be bad as well as good. What is a 'bad virtue'? Clearly 'virtue' is not a satisfactory equivalent. Indeed on examining the history of the word we find that it means something much more like the Indian karma, save that the fruits of te are generally manifested here and now; whereas karma is bound up with a theory of transmigration, and its effects are usually not seen in this life,