谀 (yú) - to flatter, to fawn upon, to use sycophantic

谀Tone 2

yú ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

咏与

谀 · yú

to flatter, to fawn upon, to use sycophantic speech

to flatter, to fawn upon, to use sycophantic

Usage highlights

to flatter and fawnflattering wordssycophantic speechflattering and obsequiousflattery and praiseflattering to gain favor

Synonyms

  • 媚— to flatter, to curry favor
  • 奉承— to flatter, to compliment excessively
  • 阿谀— to flatter, to be sycophantic

Antonyms

  • 谏— to remonstrate, to criticize frankly
  • 诤— to admonish, to criticize straightforwardly

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He is skilled at flattering his superiors (谀媚上司).
  • The minister was known for his sycophantic behavior (阿谀奉承).
  • I dislike people who flatter excessively (厌恶谀辞).
  • She saw through his flattering words (看穿了他的谀词).

Collocations

  • to flatter and fawn(阿谀奉承)
  • flattering words(谀辞)
  • sycophantic speech(谀言)
  • flattering and obsequious(谀媚)
  • flattery and praise(谀颂)
  • flattering to gain favor(谀佞)

Idioms

  • Flattering and fawning(阿谀奉承)
  • Flattering words and ingratiating appearance(谀词令色)
  • Flattering the powerful and trampling the weak(谀上欺下)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese culture, flattery (谀) is strongly condemned as a moral failing.
  • Confucian ethics emphasize sincerity and straightforwardness, viewing sycophancy as contrary to gentlemanly conduct.
  • Historical texts often criticize court officials who used flattery to gain favor with rulers.

FAQ