順 (shùn) - Shun — to obey, follow, comply & to be smooth, favorable

順Tone 4

shùn ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

树檀

順 · shùn

Shun — to obey, follow, comply;

to be smooth, favorable;

along;

in sequence.

Shun — to obey, follow, complyto be smooth, favorablealong

Usage highlights

SmoothObedientFavorable windAlong the wayIn orderDocile

Synonyms

  • 从— to follow, obey
  • 遵— to abide by, comply
  • 沿— along

Antonyms

  • 逆— to go against, disobey
  • 违— to violate, oppose

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Please follow the instructions (请顺指示).
  • The river flows smoothly (河流顺畅).
  • I'll go along the street (我顺着街走).
  • Everything went favorably (一切顺利).

Collocations

  • Smooth(顺利)
  • Obedient(顺从)
  • Favorable wind(顺风)
  • Along the way(顺路)
  • In order(顺序)
  • Docile(温顺)

Idioms

  • Everything goes smoothly(一帆风顺)
  • To act according to circumstances(顺水推舟)
  • To take advantage of a situation(顺手牵羊)
  • To go with the flow(顺其自然)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character embodies the Confucian value of filial piety and obedience to authority.
  • In Daoism, '顺其自然' (going with the flow) reflects the principle of wu wei (non-action).
  • In business contexts, '顺' symbolizes smooth operations and favorable outcomes.

FAQ