子为父隐 — “A son conceals his father's misconduct or transgressions”

子为父隐 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “a son conceals his father's misconduct or transgressions”. To protect one's father from legal or moral blame, often out of filial piety. Literally, “Son for father hides”.

Frequency

子为父隐 Pronunciation and Pinyin

子为父隐 Character Breakdown

Stroke Order

Character	Pinyin	Strokes	Meaning
子	zǐ	3	son, child, seed, small thing
为	wéi	4	to be or to do
父	fù	4	father, male elder
隐	yǐn	11	to hide or conceal

Example Sentence with 子为父隐

小明虽然知道父亲偶尔会做一些不当的事情，但他总是子为父隐，不向外人提及。

Although Xiao Ming knew his father occasionally engaged in some improper dealings, he always acted to conceal his father's missteps, never mentioning them to outsiders.

Origin and Story of 子为父隐

During the Spring and Autumn period, Confucius traveled with his disciples through various states. While staying in Ye, a lamb from Duke Ye's mansion strayed into Confucius's residence.

One of his disciples, Zeng Dian, cooked and ate it.

Zeng Dian's son, Zeng Can, reported this matter to Confucius. Confucius, understanding Zeng Can's difficult position between loyalty and filial piety, agreed to discuss it with Duke Ye.

Confucius then famously mused, 'A father conceals for his son, and a son conceals for his father. Uprightness is found precisely in this.'