Definition
阿谀奉承 is a four-character idiom meaning to flatter and fawn on someone excessively, often in a sycophantic way to gain favor. It carries a strong negative connotation — it describes insincere praise and servile behavior. You’ll see it used as a verb phrase (often with 对 or 向) or as a noun describing flattery. The literal meaning of the characters (阿谀 'to flatter', 奉承 'to fawn') already captures the sense, but the full idiom emphasizes habitual or excessive bootlicking.
f.e.
to fawn onto toadyto engage in sycophantic flattery
Examples
- 阿谀奉承，。Tā zǒng duì shàngsi ā yú fèng chéng, shízài ràng rén kàn bu guàn.He’s always fawning on his boss — it’s really hard to stomach.
- 阿谀奉承。Zhēnzhèng de péngyou bùhuì yíwèi ā yú fèng chéng.A true friend won’t just endlessly flatter you.
- 阿谀奉承。Zhè zhǒng ā yú fèng chéng de xíngwéi ràng rén gǎndào yànwù.This kind of sycophantic behavior makes people feel disgusted.
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