贤 (xián) - virtuous, worthy, talented, good & a term of respect for someone of a

贤Tone 2

xián ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 贝

万响

贤 · xián

virtuous, worthy, talented, good;

a term of respect for someone of a younger generation or lower status.

virtuous, worthy, talented, gooda term of respect for someone of a

Usage highlights

virtuous personsage and worthyvirtuous wifewise monarchvirtuous and capablevirtuous and virtuous

Synonyms

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

Antonyms

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

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He is a virtuous person (贤人).
  • Ancient sages and worthies (圣贤) are highly respected.
  • She is a capable and virtuous wife (贤妻).
  • This is a wise monarch (贤君).

Collocations

  • virtuous person(贤人)
  • sage and worthy(圣贤)
  • virtuous wife(贤妻)
  • wise monarch(贤君)
  • virtuous and capable(贤能)
  • virtuous and virtuous(贤良)

Idioms

  • To revere the virtuous and treat the capable with respect(礼贤下士)
  • To select the virtuous and employ the capable(选贤任能)
  • The later comers surpass the former(后来居贤)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Confucian thought, '贤' is a key quality of the ideal gentleman (君子), denoting moral excellence and capability.
  • Historically used to denote virtuous and capable individuals worthy of emulation or leadership roles.
  • Commonly used in given names to express the wish for the child to become virtuous and talented.

FAQ