You Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Speech (yán) 16 strokes Page 1169, Entry 01 Pronounced yu. According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it means flattery. Book of Documents (Shangshu), Charge to Jiong: If ministers offer flattery, the ruler considers himself wise. Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), Biography of Shushuntong: Sir, why are your words so flattering? Zhuangzi, Fisherman: To not distinguish between right and wrong while speaking is called flattery. Xunzi, Cultivation of the Self: To agree with others even when they are in the wrong is called flattery. Discourses on Salt and Iron (Yantielun): Wealth and high status are accompanied by many flattering words. Also pronounced yu (falling tone). The meaning is the same. Zhuangzi, Heaven and Earth: A filial son does not flatter his parents. It is commonly written in a variant form, which is incorrect.