Definition
犯上 is a verb-object compound (离合词) meaning 'to offend or go against one's superiors' — a concept rooted in Confucian social hierarchy where respecting authority is paramount. It can be split in sentences with complements or aspect particles inserted between 犯 and 上, e.g., 犯了上 (fàn le shǎng). In modern usage, it often appears in historical contexts or figuratively to describe challenging authority in the workplace or family.
v.o.
to offend or go against one's superiors (in a hierarchical relationship)
Examples
- ，。Tā fàn le shǎng, bèi lǎobǎn pīpíng le.He offended his superior and was criticized by the boss.
- ，犯上。Zài gǔdài, fàn shǎng shì dà nì bú dào de xíngwéi.In ancient times, offending one's superiors was a heinous act.
- 犯上，。Tā bù gǎn fàn shǎng, zhǐhǎo rěn qì tūn shēng.He didn't dare to go against his superior and had to swallow his pride.
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