謟 (tāo) - Flatter, toady & to fawn upon

謟Tone 1

tāo ｜ 17 strokes ｜ radical:

檀婷

謟 · tāo

Flatter, toady;

to fawn upon;

also means suspicion, doubt.

Flatter, toadyto fawn uponalso means suspicion, doubt.

Usage highlights

Flatter superiorsFawning and flatteringFlattery and sycophancySuspicious and doubtfulDeceive superiors and bully subordinatesIngratiating speech

Synonyms

  • 諂— Flatter, toady
  • 媚— Fawn, curry favor
  • 阿— Flatter, pander to

Antonyms

  • 直— Straightforward, honest
  • 正— Upright, righteous
  • 誠— Sincere, honest

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He flattered his superior (謟上欺下).
  • She was suspicious of his intentions (心懷謟疑).
  • Avoid those who fawn and flatter (遠離謟媚之人).
  • His words were full of flattery (言辭謟諛).

Collocations

  • Flatter superiors(謟上)
  • Fawning and flattering(謟媚)
  • Flattery and sycophancy(謟諛)
  • Suspicious and doubtful(謟疑)
  • Deceive superiors and bully subordinates(謟上欺下)
  • Ingratiating speech(謟言)

Idioms

  • Flatter superiors and bully subordinates(謟上欺下)
  • Fawning and flattering, sycophantic(謟媚諛佞)
  • Words of flattery and suspicion(謟言疑辭)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Confucian culture, flattery (謟) is considered a serious moral failing, contrary to the virtue of integrity.
  • The character appears in classical texts warning against sycophantic behavior in court politics.
  • It carries negative connotations of dishonesty and lack of moral character.

FAQ