憸 (xiān) - Flattering, sycophantic & cunning, crafty

憸Tone 1

xiān ｜ 16 strokes ｜ radical:

万响

憸 · xiān

Flattering, sycophantic;

cunning, crafty;

wicked, evil;

a petty person who flatters superiors.

Flattering, sycophanticcunning, craftywicked, evil

Usage highlights

Sycophantic personCrafty and evilCunning heartFlattering and fawningPetty and cunningWicked talk

Synonyms

  • 谄— flattering, sycophantic
  • 佞— glib, flattering
  • 奸— wicked, treacherous
  • 邪— evil, wicked

Antonyms

  • 正— upright, correct
  • 直— straightforward, honest
  • 忠— loyal, faithful
  • 诚— sincere, honest

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He is known for his sycophantic behavior (憸人).
  • The official was dismissed for his crafty schemes (憸邪).
  • Beware of those with cunning hearts (憸心).
  • The court was filled with flatterers (憸佞).

Collocations

  • Sycophantic person(憸人)
  • Crafty and evil(憸邪)
  • Cunning heart(憸心)
  • Flattering and fawning(憸佞)
  • Petty and cunning(憸狡)
  • Wicked talk(憸言)

Idioms

  • The petty man is sycophantic(小人憸憸)
  • Crafty words and fawning appearance(憸言佞色)
  • Wicked heart and cunning schemes(憸心狡计)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In classical Chinese texts, 憸 describes the character of petty individuals who use flattery and cunning to advance themselves.
  • The character carries strong negative moral judgment, often contrasted with upright and honest behavior.
  • It appears in historical and philosophical texts criticizing corrupt officials and sycophants in imperial courts.

FAQ