Confucius quote explained
孔子曰，侍于君子有三愆，言未 Meaning in English
孔子曰，侍于君子有三愆，言未及之而言，谓之躁，言及之而不言，谓之隐，未见颜色而言，谓之瞽。
Original Chinese, pinyin, meaning, source confidence, Western comparison, and safe modern use for English readers.
At a Glance
| Original Chinese | 孔子曰，侍于君子有三愆，言未及之而言，谓之躁，言及之而不言，谓之隐，未见颜色而言，谓之瞽。 |
|---|---|
| Pinyin | kǒng zi yuē shì yú jūn zǐ yǒu sān qiān yán wèi jí zhī ér yán wèi zhī zào yán jí zhī ér bù yán wèi zhī yǐn wèi jiàn yán sè ér yán wèi zhī gǔ |
| Natural English | Confucius said, 'There are three errors to which they who stand in the presence of a man of virtue and station are liable.' |
| Source | Book 16, Chapter 6 |
| Attribution confidence | sourced; source confidence 90 |
Meaning in Plain English
This Analects passage is about virtue. In plain English, it asks the reader to turn an idea into conduct, not only admire it as a saying.
The Legge translation gives the classical wording. This page uses a modern English rendering so readers can understand how the idea works in study, leadership, relationships, or self-cultivation.
Translation Ladder
| Original Chinese | 孔子曰，侍于君子有三愆，言未及之而言，谓之躁，言及之而不言，谓之隐，未见颜色而言，谓之瞽。 |
|---|---|
| Pinyin | kǒng zi yuē shì yú jūn zǐ yǒu sān qiān yán wèi jí zhī ér yán wèi zhī zào yán jí zhī ér bù yán wèi zhī yǐn wèi jiàn yán sè ér yán wèi zhī gǔ |
| Literal direction | Start from the original wording, then explain the idea in natural English instead of translating character by character. |
| Natural English | Confucius is teaching that character matters more than appearance, status, or clever words. |
| Best modern use | Use it for Business Pitch, Team Meeting, Competitor Analysis, Leadership Memo, LinkedIn Post, Classroom Discussion when the context fits the meaning. |
| What it does not mean | Do not call this a direct translation of "practice makes perfect." The Confucian idea includes repeated practice, review, reflection, and the joy of learning. |
Source and Citation Check
Source status: Analects. Confidence: 90.
For essays, speeches, or business writing, cite the original Chinese when possible and avoid assigning the saying to a famous figure unless the source path is visible.
Copy-Ready Examples
For an essay
孔子曰，侍于君子有三愆，言未及之而言，谓之躁，言及之而不言，谓之隐，未见颜色而言，谓之瞽。 can be explained as: Confucius is teaching that character matters more than appearance, status, or clever words. This makes the saying useful when the writer needs a source-aware Chinese idea rather than a decorative quote.
For a speech
An old Chinese line says 孔子曰，侍于君子有三愆，言未及之而言，谓之躁，言及之而不言，谓之隐，未见颜色而言，谓之瞽。. In modern English, the point is simple: Confucius is teaching that character matters more than appearance, status, or clever words.
For business or leadership
This idea can be used carefully in a professional setting when it clarifies judgment, practice, trust, timing, or restraint. The important step is to connect the quote to a real decision, not just display it as culture.
For classroom discussion
Ask students to compare the original Chinese, the pinyin, and the natural English meaning, then decide where the translation gains or loses nuance.
Related but Not Equivalent
- Character is destiny
Difference: useful as an English bridge, not proof of exact translation or shared origin. - Virtue begins in conduct
Difference: useful as an English bridge, not proof of exact translation or shared origin. - Lead by example
Difference: useful as an English bridge, not proof of exact translation or shared origin. - Practice makes perfect
Difference: useful as an English bridge, not proof of exact translation or shared origin. - Learning by doing
Difference: useful as an English bridge, not proof of exact translation or shared origin.
When to Use This Quote
Use this quote when the source and context fit your point. Keep the original Chinese and pinyin visible for cultural accuracy.
- leaders
- public service
- management
- ethics
- character
Modern search and use-case tags
Related Use-Case Pages
Common Mistake and Safe Use
Do not call this a direct translation of "practice makes perfect." The Confucian idea includes repeated practice, review, reflection, and the joy of learning.
Western Proverb Equivalent
Use these familiar English ideas as bridges, not as exact translations or shared-origin claims.
Similar English Sayings and Western Ideas
These comparisons help English readers understand the idea. They are not claims of shared origin.
Questions People Ask
What does 孔子曰，侍于君子有三愆， mean?
It means: Confucius said, 'There are three errors to which they who stand in the presence of a man of virtue and station are liable.'
Who said 孔子曰，侍于君子有三愆，?
It appears in the Analects, Book 16, Chapter 6, and is traditionally associated with Confucius.
How can I use this Confucius quote?
Use it when discussing virtue, practical wisdom, or how character should guide action.
Can I quote this in English?
Yes. Cite the Analects as the source and treat this page's modern English as an explanatory rendering.