Confucius

American  

[kuhn-fyoo-shuhs] / kənˈfyu 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

In her book, Dunlop cites one of her readers suggesting that Beijing could more effectively project its soft power by "changing its controversial overseas Confucius Institutes into top-notch Chinese restaurants".

From BBC • Aug. 16, 2025

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

From BBC • Aug. 4, 2025

FBI Director Christopher Wray has described China’s Confucius Institutes as an element of Beijing’s attempts to wield its soft power.

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

Uncle was fond of the phrase “the superior man,” which he said he had taken from the wise man Confucius.

From "Dragonwings" by Laurence Yep