讇 (chǎn) - flatter, toady, fawn upon & flattery, sycophancy

讇Tone 3

chǎn ｜ 23 strokes ｜ radical:

偲嫦

讇 · chǎn

flatter, toady, fawn upon;

flattery, sycophancy

flatter, toady, fawn uponflattery, sycophancy

Usage highlights

flatter and fawnsycophancy and flatteryfawning and obsequiousflattering wordsflattering expressionflattering smile

Synonyms

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

Antonyms

  • 直— straightforward, honest
  • 正— upright, righteous
  • 刚— firm, unyielding

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He engaged in flattery to gain favor (谄媚).
  • The official was known for his sycophantic behavior (谄谀).
  • She despised his toadying attitude (谄佞).
  • His words were full of fawning praise (谄辞).

Collocations

  • flatter and fawn(谄媚)
  • sycophancy and flattery(谄谀)
  • fawning and obsequious(谄佞)
  • flattering words(谄辞)
  • flattering expression(谄容)
  • flattering smile(谄笑)

Idioms

  • Fawning upon the powerful and bullying the weak(谄上欺下)
  • Flattering words and fawning expression(谄词令色)
  • Extreme flattery and servility(卑谄足恭)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Confucian ethics, flattery (谄) is strongly condemned as a violation of moral integrity.
  • Historical texts often criticize ministers who used flattery to gain imperial favor as corrupt officials.
  • The character reflects traditional Chinese values that prioritize honesty and straightforwardness over sycophantic behavior.

FAQ