諂 (chǎn) - to flatter, to fawn upon, to be obsequious & sycophantic behavior.

諂Tone 3

chǎn ｜ 15 strokes ｜ radical:

偲嫦

諂 · chǎn

to flatter, to fawn upon, to be obsequious;

sycophantic behavior.

to flatter, to fawn upon, to be obsequioussycophantic behavior.

Usage highlights

flatter and fawnsycophantic wordsflattering expressionflatter the powerfulfawning and obsequiousflattering the rich

Synonyms

  • 媚— to flatter, to curry favor
  • 阿— to flatter, to pander to
  • 奉承— to flatter, to adulate

Antonyms

  • 直— upright, honest
  • 剛— firm, unyielding

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He is always flattering his boss (諂媚上司).
  • She dislikes sycophantic behavior (討厭諂媚的行為).
  • The official was known for his fawning attitude (官員以諂諛聞名).

Collocations

  • flatter and fawn(諂媚)
  • sycophantic words(諂諛)
  • flattering expression(諂笑)
  • flatter the powerful(諂上)
  • fawning and obsequious(諂佞)
  • flattering the rich(諂富)

Idioms

  • To fawn on the rich and bully the poor(諂富驕貧)
  • To flatter superiors and bully subordinates(諂上欺下)
  • To be obsequious towards the powerful(卑躬諂媚)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Confucian culture, flattery (諂) is strongly condemned as a violation of moral integrity (正直).
  • The character is semantically negative, associated with a lack of principle and self-respect.
  • Historically linked to critiques of corrupt officials and courtiers who gained favor through flattery.

FAQ