鯁 (gěng) - Fish bone & to choke on a bone

鯁Tone 3

gěng ｜ 18 strokes ｜ radical:

枫惠

鯁 · gěng

Fish bone;

to choke on a bone;

straightforward, honest, outspoken.

Fish boneto choke on a bonestraightforward, honest, outspoken.

Usage highlights

Fish boneChoke on a boneStraightforward characterHonest adviceOutspoken officialTo have a bone stuck

Synonyms

  • 直— straight, direct
  • 耿— upright, honest

Antonyms

  • 谄— flattering, sycophantic
  • 曲— crooked, indirect

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He choked on a fish bone (鱼鯁在喉).
  • She is known for her straightforward character (性格鯁直).
  • The minister offered honest advice (鯁言直谏).

Collocations

  • Fish bone(鱼鯁)
  • Choke on a bone(骨鯁在喉)
  • Straightforward character(鯁直)
  • Honest advice(鯁言)
  • Outspoken official(鯁臣)
  • To have a bone stuck(被鯁住)

Idioms

  • Like having a fishbone stuck in one's throat(骨鯁在喉)
  • Straightforward and outspoken(鯁直不阿)
  • Honest words offend the ear(鯁言逆耳)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character originally referred to fish bones, extending metaphorically to describe someone who is straightforward and unyielding in their principles.
  • In traditional Chinese culture, officials who offered honest criticism were sometimes described with this character, implying they spoke difficult truths.

FAQ