择善 (zé shàn) literally means 'to choose what is good' — combining 择 (zé), meaning 'to select or choose', and 善 (shàn), meaning 'goodness, virtue, or what is morally right'. It expresses a conscious, principled decision to adopt virtuous behavior, ideas, or people, often in ethical, educational, or self-cultivation contexts. Though it looks like a noun, it functions primarily as a verb phrase, typically appearing after subjects like 'we', 'he', or 'a person' and often followed by 而从之 ('and follow it') or similar complements.

This phrase originates from classical Chinese philosophy, especially Confucianism, where it appears in sayings like '择善而从之' ('choose what is good and follow it'). Today it’s used formally in writing, speeches, and moral education — less common in casual speech but still understood by educated speakers. It conveys respect, reflection, and moral agency, not mere preference.