to please others; to act filially and please one's parents
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesverb
to cater to others' wishes to gain favor; to please
literaryA classical term, often used in a broader social or political context to describe flattery or ingratiating behavior.
He is adept at pleasing his superiors, so he gets promoted quickly.
In the old officialdom, the art of currying favor was seen as a survival skill.
verb
to serve one's parents dutifully and bring them joy; to be filial
literaryThis is the more specific and positive core meaning of the term, central to traditional filial piety (孝道). The example phrase '承欢膝下' is a classical idiom describing children staying close to their parents to make them happy.
Her greatest wish is to stay by her elderly parents' side and bring them joy.
The ancients believed that pleasing one's parents was a child's fundamental duty.
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To stay close to one's parents and enjoy the happiness of family.