僭

jiàn

亻 + 朁

Definitions

jiàn (bound form) to overstep one's authority

Etymology phono-semantic

person

Semantic: 亻 Phonetic: 朁

About

僭 is a phono-semantic compound with the human radical 亻 on the left, indicating an action by a person, and 朁 on the right as the phonetic component. Its core meaning refers to the political and social transgression of overstepping one’s authority or usurping a higher rank. This concept was especially significant in historical hierarchical societies, where violating prescribed social boundaries was a serious offense. The term is now primarily used in formal or historical contexts involving unauthorized assumption of power.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他的行为是一种僭越。

Tā de xíngwéi shì yī zhǒng jiànyuè.

His behavior is a kind of overstepping of bounds.

这个臣子妄图僭越皇权。

Zhège chénzǐ wàngtú jiànyuè huángquán.

This courtier attempted to usurp imperial authority.

在正式场合，不得僭越自己的身份。

Zài zhèngshì chǎnghé, bùdé jiànyuè zìjǐ de shēnfèn.

In formal settings, one must not overstep the boundaries of one's own status.

如果他继续僭行主祭之礼，必将受罚。

Rúguǒ tā jìxù jiànxíng zhǔjì zhī lǐ, bì jiāng shòufá.

If he continues to presumptuously perform the chief celebrant's rites, he will surely be punished.

那个小国的君主竟敢僭称皇帝。

Nàge xiǎo guó de jūnzhǔ jìng gǎn jiànchēng huángdì.

The ruler of that small country actually dared to presumptuously declare himself emperor.

这些违规建筑都属于僭建物。

Zhèxiē wéiguī jiànzhú dōu shǔyú jiànjiàn wù.

These illegal structures are all unauthorized constructions.

他的提议充满了僭妄的假设。

Tā de tíyì chōngmǎnle jiànwàng de jiǎshè.

His proposal is full of presumptuous assumptions.

他因僭取公司机密数据而面临诉讼。

Tā yīn jiànqǔ gōngsī jīmì shùjù ér miànlín sùsòng.

He faces litigation for unlawfully appropriating the company's confidential data.

Related Characters

Component: 亻

Component: 朁

僭