谏 (jiàn) - To remonstrate & to admonish

谏Tone 4

jiàn ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

健傑

谏 · jiàn

To remonstrate;

to admonish;

to criticize frankly (especially to a superior);

to offer corrective advice.

To remonstrateto admonishto criticize frankly (especially to a superior)

Usage highlights

To remonstrateTo offer admonitionMemorial of remonstranceDirect admonitionLoyal admonitionTo admonish and persuade

Synonyms

  • 劝— to advise; to urge
  • 诤— to criticize frankly

Antonyms

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

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The minister remonstrated with the emperor (谏言).
  • He offered loyal admonition to the king (进谏).
  • The official presented a memorial of remonstrance (谏书).
  • They directly admonished the ruler's faults (直谏).

Collocations

  • To remonstrate(谏言)
  • To offer admonition(进谏)
  • Memorial of remonstrance(谏书)
  • Direct admonition(直谏)
  • Loyal admonition(忠谏)
  • To admonish and persuade(谏劝)

Idioms

  • Admonish repeatedly(谏争如流)
  • To die for remonstrance(以死相谏)
  • Admonish behind closed doors(叩马而谏)
  • Present three admonitions(三谏之义)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In imperial China, 'remonstrance' was a duty of officials, risking punishment to correct the ruler's errors.
  • Historical figures known for remonstrance, like Wei Zheng of Tang, were celebrated as model ministers.
  • The concept reflects Confucian values of loyalty and the moral responsibility to guide superiors.

FAQ