filial piety

[fil-ee-uhl pahy-i-tee]

noun

1. (in Confucianism) the important virtue and primary duty of respect, obedience, and care for one's parents and elderly family members.

Word History and Origins

Origin of filial piety¹

First recorded in 1610–20

When To Use

What is filial piety?

Filial piety is the Confucian virtue of honoring the elders in your family.In English, we use an older, Latin-based expression to name this social principle of parental respect. Filial generally means “relating to a son or daughter” or “concerning a parent-child relationship.” Piety, here, is “dutiful respect.” Together, filial piety refers to a child’s service towards their parents as well as other older extended relatives.Although the idea of “respecting your elders” exists in many cultures, the phrase filial piety is especially used in the context of respect for the elderly in Chinese families.