filial piety

American  

[fil-ee-uhl pahy-i-tee] / ˈfɪl i əl ˈpaɪ ɪ ti /

noun

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

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Usage

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.

Etymology

Origin of filial piety

First recorded in 1610–20

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

filial piety

The discussions range from people frustrated with controlling parents, to those exhausted from the pressure to excel academically or heed advice in the name of "filial piety".

From BBC ● Jun. 13, 2026

Traditionally, offspring have been expected to support their elders and demonstrate filial piety above all else.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 28, 2023

"Especially for Asians, it's critical to have filial piety — you honor the family name. And that's a hit not only to her personal reputation but her name and family," the former official said.

From Salon ● Jan. 26, 2023

Ms. Tabag said that filial piety is ingrained in Asian children, who are expected to listen, follow directives and not speak back to parents and elders.

From New York Times ● May 14, 2021

Everyone admired their filial piety when they arrived, and the proud and happy mother standing before the statue prayed that Hera would reward them by giving them the best gift in her power.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton