佞 (nìng) - flattering, glib & cunning, crafty

佞Tone 4

nìng ｜ 7 strokes ｜ radical: 亻

柠七

佞 · nìng

flattering, glib;

cunning, crafty;

talented (archaic sense)

flattering, glibcunning, craftytalented (archaic sense)

Usage highlights

flatterysycophantglib tonguecunning and flatteringskillful in speechflatterer

Synonyms

  • 谄— to flatter, fawn
  • 谀— flattery, adulation
  • 媚— to curry favor, flatter

Antonyms

  • 忠— loyal, faithful
  • 直— upright, honest
  • 诚— sincere, honest

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He is good at flattery (善于谄佞).
  • She is eloquent but insincere (巧言令色，鲜矣佞).
  • The sycophant gained favor (佞臣得宠).
  • Avoid associating with flatterers (勿近佞人).

Collocations

  • flattery(谄佞)
  • sycophant(佞臣)
  • glib tongue(佞口)
  • cunning and flattering(奸佞)
  • skillful in speech(辩佞)
  • flatterer(佞人)

Idioms

  • A glib tongue can topple kingdoms and ruin families(佞口覆邦家)
  • The wise keep their distance from flatterers(智者远佞)
  • Flattery and slander confuse right and wrong(谗佞惑乱)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally meant 'talented' or 'eloquent' in ancient texts, but evolved to predominantly negative connotations of insincere flattery and cunning.
  • In Confucian ethics, being called '佞' was a strong criticism, implying a lack of moral integrity despite possible intelligence or skill.
  • Historical texts often warn rulers about '佞臣' (sycophantic ministers) who could lead the state astray through flattery.

FAQ