诤 (zhèng) - To criticize frankly & to admonish

诤Tone 4

zhèng ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 讠

丈志

诤 · zhèng

To criticize frankly;

to admonish;

to remonstrate;

outspoken advice given to correct someone's faults.

To criticize franklyto admonishto remonstrate

Usage highlights

Frank friendFrank adviceTo remonstrateFrank criticismTo admonish franklyLoyal admonishment

Synonyms

  • 谏— to remonstrate; to admonish
  • 劝— to advise; to urge
  • 规— to admonish; to advise against

Antonyms

  • 谄— to flatter; to fawn
  • 媚— to curry favor; to flatter

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He gave frank criticism to his friend (诤友).
  • The minister remonstrated with the emperor (诤谏).
  • She offered honest advice (诤言).

Collocations

  • Frank friend(诤友)
  • Frank advice(诤言)
  • To remonstrate(诤谏)
  • Frank criticism(诤论)
  • To admonish frankly(诤诤)
  • Loyal admonishment(忠诤)

Idioms

  • A friend who will give forthright admonishment(诤友)
  • Loyal words grate on the ears(忠言逆耳)
  • To offer frank criticism out of goodwill(良药苦口，忠言逆耳)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese culture, offering frank criticism (诤) is seen as a virtue and a duty, especially among friends and officials.
  • A '诤友' (frank friend) is highly valued—someone who dares to point out your faults for your own improvement.
  • Historical officials were expected to be '诤臣' (remonstrating ministers) who would courageously advise the emperor, even at personal risk.

FAQ