Confucius

American  

[kuhn-fyoo-shuhs] / kənˈfju ʃəs /

noun

1. Kǔng Qiū, 551? b.c.–478? b.c., Chinese philosopher and teacher.

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Confucius British  

/ kənˈfjuːʃəs /

noun

1. Chinese name Kong Zi or K'ung Fu-tse. 551–479 _bc , Chinese philosopher and teacher of ethics (see Confucianism ). His doctrines were compiled after his death under the title The Analects of Confucius

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Confucius Cultural  

1. A Chinese philosopher of the sixth century b.c.; the founder of Confucianism. His teachings have come down to us as a collection of short sayings.

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Etymology

Origin of Confucius

First recorded in 1770–80; Latinization of Chinese Kǔng Fūzǐ “Master Kung” (birth name Kǔng Qiū ) by European Jesuits in China in the 17th century

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Confucius

Some academics also reported intimidation by visiting scholars or other Chinese officials, as well as by staff at Confucius Institutes.

From BBC ● Feb. 8, 2026

China has slowly expanded its soft power by opening its first Confucius Institute in the country and providing a grant to build a railway.

From BBC ● Jan. 22, 2025

The GAO report played down national security concerns regarding the institutes, noting that the FBI does not regard Confucius Institutes as a national security threat.

From Washington Times ● Oct. 31, 2023

The Chinese philosopher Confucius reputedly said, “By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.”

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 8, 2023

So he came back and made a Confucius joke, that if the words were wrong, then his intentions must also be wrong.

From "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan