侃 (kǎn) - upright and outspoken & straightforward

侃Tone 3

kǎn ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 亻

俊梁

侃 · kǎn

upright and outspoken;

straightforward;

composed and dignified;

to chat casually

upright and outspokenstraightforwardcomposed and dignified

Usage highlights

upright and outspokenchat casuallycomposed and dignifiedstraightforward talkhonest and frankbold and unrestrained

Synonyms

  • 直— straightforward, direct
  • 爽— frank, straightforward
  • 坦— frank, open

Antonyms

  • 曲— crooked, indirect
  • 谄— flattering, sycophantic
  • 隐— hidden, concealed

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He is an upright and outspoken person (他是个侃侃而谈的人).
  • They were chatting casually in the teahouse (他们在茶馆里侃大山).
  • He remained composed and dignified in the face of danger (他面对危险依然侃然自若).

Collocations

  • upright and outspoken(侃侃)
  • chat casually(侃大山)
  • composed and dignified(侃然)
  • straightforward talk(侃谈)
  • honest and frank(侃直)
  • bold and unrestrained(侃侃而谈)

Idioms

  • Speaking confidently and without hesitation(侃侃而谈)
  • Honest and upright in speech and manner(侃侃谔谔)
  • Composed and dignified in appearance(侃然自若)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally meant 'composed and dignified' in classical Chinese, later extended to mean 'upright and outspoken'.
  • In modern usage, often appears in the phrase '侃大山' meaning to chat casually or engage in small talk.
  • The character embodies the Confucian ideal of the gentleman who speaks frankly and behaves with dignity.

FAQ