谗 (chán) - to slander, to defame, to speak maliciously of & calumny, backbiting.

谗Tone 2

chán ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

偲嫦

谗 · chán

to slander, to defame, to speak maliciously of others;

calumny, backbiting.

to slander, to defame, to speak maliciously ofcalumny, backbiting.

Usage highlights

slanderous wordsto slander and harmslanderous officialto believe slanderto be slanderedslanderous tongue

Synonyms

  • 诽— to slander, to defame
  • 谤— to vilify, to libel
  • 诬— to falsely accuse

Antonyms

  • 誉— to praise, reputation
  • 褒— to commend, to praise

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He was slandered by his colleagues (被同事谗言).
  • The official was dismissed due to false accusations (因谗言被罢官).
  • Beware of those who speak ill of others (警惕进谗之人).
  • The emperor was misled by slanderous words (君主被谗言所惑).

Collocations

  • slanderous words(谗言)
  • to slander and harm(谗害)
  • slanderous official(谗臣)
  • to believe slander(信谗)
  • to be slandered(被谗)
  • slanderous tongue(谗口)

Idioms

  • Slanderous words can destroy family bonds(谗言三至，慈母不亲)
  • Keep away from slanderers(远谗佞)
  • Slanderous words are like a sharp sword(谗言似剑)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In imperial China, '谗' was a serious social and political issue, as slander could lead to loss of office, exile, or execution.
  • Historical texts often warn rulers about the danger of believing slanderous words (谗言), which could disrupt governance.
  • The character reflects traditional concerns about gossip, jealousy, and the moral integrity of speech in Confucian ethics.

FAQ