淑 (shū) - Virtuous, kind, gentle, good — describes a woman & often used in classical texts to praise feminine

淑Tone 1

shū ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

姝树

淑 · shū

Virtuous, kind, gentle, good — describes a woman of excellent character and moral refinement;

often used in classical texts to praise feminine virtues.

Virtuous, kind, gentle, good — describes a womanoften used in classical texts to praise feminine

Usage highlights

Virtuous womanVirtuous conductKind and virtuousPure and virtuousGentle and refinedVirtuous appearance

Synonyms

  • 贤— virtuous, worthy
  • 善— good, kind
  • 贞— chaste, virtuous

Antonyms

  • 恶— evil, wicked
  • 泼— shrewish, rude

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • She is a virtuous and gentle lady (淑女).
  • The mother is kind and benevolent (淑母).
  • He praised her virtuous conduct (淑德).
  • The water in this stream is clear and gentle (淑水).

Collocations

  • Virtuous woman(淑女)
  • Virtuous conduct(淑德)
  • Kind and virtuous(贤淑)
  • Pure and virtuous(淑贞)
  • Gentle and refined(淑雅)
  • Virtuous appearance(淑貌)

Idioms

  • A lady fair and virtuous(窈窕淑女)
  • Gentlemen fair and virtuous(君子好逑)
  • Virtuous and chaste(淑质贞亮)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originates from classical Chinese texts like the Book of Songs, where it describes ideal feminine virtues.
  • Traditionally used in women's names to express wishes for moral excellence and gentle character.
  • The character combines water (氵) with 'giving/receiving' (叔), suggesting the gentle, nurturing quality of water.

FAQ