賢 (xián) - Virtuous, worthy, talented — describes someone with moral & often used to refer to virtuous and talented

賢Tone 2

xián ｜ 15 strokes ｜ radical:

万响

賢 · xián

Virtuous, worthy, talented — describes someone with moral excellence, wisdom, and capability;

often used to refer to virtuous and talented people.

Virtuous, worthy, talented — describes someone with moraloften used to refer to virtuous and talented

Usage highlights

Virtuous personVirtuous wife and loving motherVirtuous and talentedVirtuous ministerAncient sage kingsVirtuous ruler

Synonyms

  • 德— virtue, moral character
  • 才— talent, ability
  • 能— capable, competent

Antonyms

  • 愚— foolish, stupid
  • 奸— treacherous, wicked
  • 恶— evil, wicked

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He is a virtuous and talented person (贤人).
  • We should respect the virtuous and value talent (尊贤重才).
  • This is an example of a virtuous wife and loving mother (贤妻良母).
  • Ancient kings sought virtuous ministers (贤臣).

Collocations

  • Virtuous person(贤人)
  • Virtuous wife and loving mother(贤妻良母)
  • Virtuous and talented(贤能)
  • Virtuous minister(贤臣)
  • Ancient sage kings(圣贤)
  • Virtuous ruler(贤君)

Idioms

  • Virtuous wife and talented husband(贤夫良妻)
  • Respect the virtuous and value talent(礼贤下士)
  • The sage within and the king without(内圣外贤)
  • Select the virtuous and employ the capable(选贤任能)
  • The virtuous and virtuous assist each other(贤贤相济)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Confucian philosophy, '贤' represents the ideal of moral excellence combined with practical ability.
  • Historically used to describe ministers and officials who served rulers with virtue and wisdom.
  • Considered one of the highest compliments in traditional Chinese culture, denoting both moral character and competence.

FAQ