How to write 谗

谗 (chán) 1. Verb: To speak ill of someone in front of others; to slander. Example phrases: 谗言 (slanderous words); 谗害 (to harm through slander); 谗佞 (to ingratiate through slander); 进谗 (to instigate slander); 信谗 (to believe slander). 2. Noun: 1. A person who speaks ill of others, referred to as slanderer. 2. Slanderous words meant to harm others. 3. Etymology: The character is a phonetic compound. It includes the element for "speech" (言) and the phonetic component (毚). The original meaning refers to speaking ill of others, synonymous with the general meaning of backbite or slander. 4. Historical References: - From "Shuo Wen": 谗 is synonymous with 诽, both referring to harmful speech. - From "Han Shi Wai Zhuan": Describing slander as deceitful words. - From "Classics of Poetry": The phrase "谗口嚣嚣" describes the clamorous nature of slander. - From "Zuo Zhuan": "败言为谗" indicates that defeated words constitute slander. - From "Han Shu": Reference to people who slander (取彼谗人). 5. Example Usage: - 谗谤 (to slander or defame); - 谗言冷语 (cold words and slanderous remarks). 6. Additional Notes: - A person indulging in slander is often referenced as a "谗人" (slanderer) or "谗夫" (a male slanderer). - The term can also include a broader context of malicious attacks and misrepresentation. Overall, the character '谗' encapsulates the act of speaking harmfully about others and the nature of a person who engages in such behavior.