巧言令色,鮮矣仁
Chinese
with flourishing words and friendly countenance; with insincere courtesy | few; rare; fresh | final particle | humane; kernel | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
trad. (巧言令色,鮮矣仁) | 巧言令色 | , | 鮮 | 矣 | 仁 | |
simp. (巧言令色,鲜矣仁) | 巧言令色 | , | 鲜 | 矣 | 仁 |
Etymology
From the Analects:
- 子曰:「巧言令色,鮮矣仁!」 [Classical Chinese, trad.]
- From: The Analects of Confucius, c. 475 – 221 BCE, translated based on James Legge's version
- Zǐ yuē: “Qiǎoyánlìngsè, xiān yǐ rén!” [Pinyin]
- The Master said, "Fine words and an insinuating appearance are seldom associated with true virtue."
子曰:“巧言令色,鲜矣仁!” [Classical Chinese, simp.]
Pronunciation
Proverb
巧言令色,鮮矣仁
- He who utters sweet talk and pretentious words does not have much benevolence.
Descendants
- → Japanese: 巧言令色鮮し仁 (kōgenreishoku sukunashi jin)
- → Vietnamese: xảo ngôn, lệnh sắc, tiển hĩ nhân