谔 (è) - Honest and outspoken speech & forthright declaration

谔Tone 4

è ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

丁恩

谔 · è

Honest and outspoken speech;

forthright declaration;

candid opinion.

Honest and outspoken speechforthright declarationcandid opinion.

Usage highlights

Honest speechCandid adviceLoyal and outspokenOutspoken ministerUnflinching wordsHonest and upright

Synonyms

  • 直— straightforward, direct
  • 耿— upright, honest
  • 謇— loyal and blunt

Antonyms

  • 谄— flattery, sycophancy
  • 诺— acquiescence, agreement (in the sense of passive compliance)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He spoke with unwavering candor (谔谔之言).
  • The minister offered loyal and honest counsel (忠谔之臣).
  • A single honest word can shake the world (谔谔能撼动世界).

Collocations

  • Honest speech(谔言)
  • Candid advice(谔谏)
  • Loyal and outspoken(忠谔)
  • Outspoken minister(谔臣)
  • Unflinching words(谔谔)
  • Honest and upright(謇谔)

Idioms

  • Thousands obey, one speaks out(千人之诺诺，不如一士之谔谔)
  • Honest words startle the audience(谔谔以昌)
  • Loyal and outspoken advice(忠谔之言)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Derived from classical texts praising ministers who dared to speak truth to power.
  • Embodies the Confucian ideal of the virtuous official who remonstrates with the ruler for the greater good.
  • Often used in historical contexts to describe integrity and moral courage in governance.

FAQ