瀆 (dú) - To disrespect & to profane

瀆Tone 2

dú ｜ 18 strokes ｜ radical:

丁恩

瀆 · dú

To disrespect;

to profane;

to act irreverently;

a ditch or drain;

also refers to corruption or bribery.

To disrespectto profaneto act irreverently

Usage highlights

Dereliction of dutyTo profane/to blasphemeCorruption and briberyDrainage ditchTo treat with disrespectTo trouble a superior

Synonyms

  • 亵— to disrespect, to profane
  • 污— to corrupt, to defile
  • 不敬— disrespect

Antonyms

  • 敬— to respect, to revere
  • 尊— to honor, to esteem

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He was accused of corruption and bribery (贪污渎职).
  • Do not disrespect the sacred texts (亵渎经典).
  • The official was charged with dereliction of duty (渎职).
  • The drainage ditch was clogged (排水沟渎堵塞).

Collocations

  • Dereliction of duty(渎职)
  • To profane/to blaspheme(亵渎)
  • Corruption and bribery(贪污渎职)
  • Drainage ditch(沟渎)
  • To treat with disrespect(渎犯)
  • To trouble a superior(渎扰)

Idioms

  • Dereliction of duty crime(渎职罪)
  • To blaspheme the gods(渎神)
  • To trouble you with my request(有渎清听)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In ancient China, '渎' referred to the four great independent rivers that flowed directly to the sea (the Yangtze, Yellow, Huai, and Ji rivers), known collectively as the 'Four Du' (四渎).
  • The character carries a strong negative connotation when used in terms like '渎职' (dereliction of duty), reflecting Confucian values of responsibility and integrity in public service.
  • Its use in '亵渎' (blasphemy/profanation) reflects traditional Chinese reverence for sacred texts, rituals, and ancestors.

FAQ