谒 (yè) - to visit (a superior) & to pay respects

谒Tone 4

yè ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

嬿一

谒 · yè

to visit (a superior);

to pay respects;

to present oneself;

to announce;

to state.

to visit (a superior)to pay respectsto present oneself

Usage highlights

to pay respectsto visit a templeto present a memorialto announce one's nameto visit a tombto request an audience

Synonyms

  • 拜见— to visit respectfully
  • 晋见— to have an audience with
  • 觐见— to have an imperial audience

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He went to pay respects to the emperor (谒见皇帝).
  • The official presented himself at court (上朝谒见).
  • I need to visit my teacher (谒见老师).
  • The ambassador was granted an audience (获准谒见).

Collocations

  • to pay respects(谒见)
  • to visit a temple(谒庙)
  • to present a memorial(谒表)
  • to announce one's name(谒名)
  • to visit a tomb(谒陵)
  • to request an audience(请谒)

Idioms

  • To visit a superior with a humble heart(卑躬谒见)
  • To pay respects at the ancestral temple(谒告宗庙)
  • To present credentials at court(入朝谒见)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally used in formal contexts of visiting superiors, elders, or deities in ancient China.
  • Associated with Confucian rituals of paying respect and maintaining proper social hierarchy.
  • Commonly used in historical and literary contexts rather than modern daily conversation.

FAQ