廉耻 is a classical Chinese compound noun meaning 'a sense of shame and honor' — the moral awareness that guides people to distinguish right from wrong and act with integrity. The character 廉 (lián) conveys honesty, uprightness, and incorruptibility, while 耻 (chǐ) means 'shame' or 'dishonor', referring to the inner discomfort one feels when violating ethical standards. Together, they form a foundational concept in Confucian ethics, emphasizing self-respect rooted in moral conscience rather than external judgment.

This term is often used in formal, literary, or moral discourse — for example, in discussions about public officials’ conduct, education, or personal character development. It carries strong normative weight and implies that having 廉耻 is essential for maintaining social trust and individual dignity. Unlike simple embarrassment, 廉耻 reflects deep ethical reflection and responsibility toward community values.