Chinese idiom · 成语
一视同仁
Meaning
To view all equally; impartial treatment.
Character by character
Origin and story
Philosophical writingHan Yu's essay Yuan Ren (原人) considers heaven, earth, and human beings and the relationships of responsibility among them. Its conclusion says that the sage looks upon others with the same benevolence, extending care beyond those nearby. The familiar idiom is drawn from 一视而同仁, with the connecting 而 omitted.
The essay's argument is framed by ancient hierarchies and includes animals as recipients of humane treatment; it is not a modern declaration of identical political rights. Later usage focuses on impartiality among people: refusing to favor one group, friend, or applicant over another when they should receive the same consideration.
Sources and further reading
In everyday life
无论是不是老顾客，这家店处理退货都一视同仁。
The shop handles returns equally, whether or not someone is a regular customer.
Praises equal consideration without favoritism.