filial piety

[ fil-ee-uhl pahy-i-tee ]

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of filial piety¹

First recorded in 1610–20

Example Sentences

For generations, China has relied on filial piety to fill the gaps in elderly care.

From BBC

Preserving the body is considered an important aspect of filial piety within the context of Confucianism, and that precept encourages long hair, forbids suicide and is interpreted as prohibiting tattoos.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

Although three other novels have followed “Please Look After Mom,” her latest, “I Went to See My Father” — translated by Anton Hur — feels like its closest thematic counterpart in its exploration of guilt, regret, parenthood and filial piety in a changing South Korean culture.

From Washington Post

"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