About
谠, the simplified form of 讜, is a phono-semantic compound. Its semantic radical 讠, derived from 言, places it in the domain of speech and language, while the phonetic component 党 (traditional 黨) indicates its pronunciation. The character's core meaning is forthright, honest speech, specifically, the act of speaking truth plainly and impartially to those in power, often at personal risk. This makes it a key term in historical texts for describing the direct counsel of principled advisors.
Etymology Hide
