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心悅誠服. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
心悅誠服, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
心悅誠服 in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
心悅誠服 you have here. The definition of the word
心悅誠服 will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
心悅誠服, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
Chinese
Etymology
From Mencius (《孟子·公孫丑上》):
以力服人者，非心服也，力不贍也；以德服人者，中心悅而誠服也，如七十子之服孔子也。 [Classical Chinese, trad.]
以力服人者，非心服也，力不赡也；以德服人者，中心悦而诚服也，如七十子之服孔子也。 [Classical Chinese, simp.]- From: Mencius, c. 4th century BCE, translated based on James Legge's version
- Yǐ lì fú rén zhě, fēi xīn fú yě, lì bù shàn yě; yǐ dé fú rén zhě, zhōngxīn yuè ér chéngfú yě, rú qīshí zǐ zhī fú Kǒngzǐ yě.
- When one by force subdues men, they do not submit to him in heart. They submit, because their strength is not adequate to resist. When one subdues men by virtue, in their hearts' core they are pleased, and sincerely submit, as was the case with the seventy disciples in their submission to Confucius.
Pronunciation
Idiom
心悅誠服
- to be sincerely convinced; to sincerely admire; to submit willingly