to offend one's elders or superiors; to rebel against authority
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 5 examplesverb
to offend or defy one's elders or superiors; to rebel
formalOften used to describe acts of insubordination, disrespect, or rebellion against hierarchical authority, especially in traditional or formal contexts. The phrase '犯上作乱' is a common fixed collocation meaning 'to commit treason and start a rebellion'.
Zài在
gǔ古
dài代
，
fàn犯
shàng上
shì是
dà大
zuì罪
。
In ancient times, offending one's superiors was a serious crime.
Tā他
xìng性
qíng情
gāng刚
liè烈
，
cóng从
bù不
qīng轻
yì易
fàn犯
shàng上
。
He has a stubborn temperament but never offends his superiors lightly.
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Chén臣
zǐ子
fàn犯
shàng上
，
shì是
wéi为
bù不
zhōng忠
。
For a minister to rebel against the sovereign is an act of disloyalty.
Fēng封
jiàn建
shè社
huì会
yán严
jìn禁
fàn犯
shàng上
zuò作
luàn乱
。
Feudal society strictly forbade rebellion against authority.
Zhè这
shì是
duì对
lǐng领
dǎo导
de的
gōng公
rán然
fàn犯
shàng上
。
This is an open defiance of the leader.