Confucian

American  

[kuhn-fyoo-shuhn] / kənˈfyu ʃən /

noun

1. an adherent of the teachings of Confucius.

2. Also called Ju.  a member of the school of philosophers, founded by Confucius, who codified in their teachings the traditional Chinese principles of ethics, morals, and politics.

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling the teachings of Confucius.

Confucian British  

/ kənˈfjuːʃən /

adjective

1. of or relating to the doctrines of Confucius

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noun

1. a follower of Confucius

Other Word Forms

• anti-Confucian noun
• post-Confucian noun
• pro-Confucian noun

Etymology

Origin of Confucian

First recorded in 1830–40; Confuci(us) + -an

Example Sentences

Investors would do well to heed the old Confucian proverb: “Be prudent and exercise caution.”

From Barron's • Feb. 23, 2026

In a society still influenced by Confucian values such as righteousness and obedience, mental health issues remain heavily stigmatised and many experience feelings of shame or social judgement.

From BBC • Oct. 18, 2025

As the great Confucian Yogi Berra once observed, it’s getting late early—and if you’re going to read a Jason in the Journal, read Zweig.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 6, 2025

“Turandot” is a riddle opera of Confucian confusion for which Puccini hadn’t found a solution.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2024

Jim’s mother had studied at the Union Theological Seminary under several famous theologians and became a Confucian scholar, ending up for many years a housewife in Muscatine.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French