谄 (chǎn) - to flatter, to fawn upon, to be obsequious,

谄Tone 3

chǎn ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

偲嫦

谄 · chǎn

to flatter, to fawn upon, to be obsequious, to curry favor

to flatter, to fawn upon, to be obsequious,

Usage highlights

flatter and fawnflattering speechfawning attitudeflatter superiorsflatter the richflattering smile

Synonyms

  • 媚— to flatter, to curry favor
  • 阿— to flatter, to be obsequious

Antonyms

  • 直— straightforward, honest
  • 刚— firm, unyielding

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He flattered his boss shamelessly (谄媚老板).
  • She has a fawning attitude toward authority (谄谀的态度).
  • Avoid flattering speech (谄言).
  • He is skilled at ingratiating himself with superiors (善于谄上).

Collocations

  • flatter and fawn(谄媚)
  • flattering speech(谄言)
  • fawning attitude(谄谀)
  • flatter superiors(谄上)
  • flatter the rich(谄富)
  • flattering smile(谄笑)

Idioms

  • To fawn on others in a servile manner(卑谄足恭)
  • Poor yet flattering, rich yet arrogant(贫而无谄，富而无骄)
  • To flatter superiors and bully subordinates(谄上欺下)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Confucian ethics, flattery (谄) is strongly condemned as contrary to righteousness and integrity.
  • The character appears in classical texts like the Analects, where Confucius warns against flattery.
  • Traditional Chinese morality values straightforwardness and opposes sycophantic behavior.

FAQ