反哺

Chinese
FWOTD – 20 June 2016
wrong side out or up; anti- feed
simp. and trad.
(反哺)		 反 哺
variant forms 返哺

Etymology

Originally referred to a raven that would provide food to its mother after becoming an adult. Emperor Wu of Liang [6th century]:

靈蛇銜珠以酬德，慈烏反哺以報親，在蟲鳥其尚爾，況三才之令人。 [MSC, trad.][▼ expand/hide]
灵蛇衔珠以酬德，慈乌反哺以报亲，在虫鸟其尚尔，况三才之令人。 [MSC, simp.]
Língshé xián zhū yǐ chóudé, cíwū fǎnbǔ yǐ bàoqīn, zài chóngniǎo qí shàng ěr, kuàng sāncái zhī lìngrén. [Pinyin]
The mystic snake holds a pearl in its mouth to show gratitude; the raven feeds its parents to repay their kindness. It's as such even in lower animals and birds, let alone the virtuous men.

Pronunciation

Verb

反哺

  1. to take care of one's parents when they are old; to show filial piety
    他們很多人心底，都有反哺父母的強烈願望。 [MSC, trad.]
    他们很多人心底，都有反哺父母的强烈愿望。 [MSC, simp.]
    From: 2005: anon., http://szlife.oeeee.com
    Tāmen hěn duō rén xīndǐ, dōu yǒu fǎnbǔ fùmǔ de qiángliè yuànwàng. [Pinyin]
    In their hearts, a lot of them have a strong desire to take care of their parents when they are old.
  2. to give back to a person or institution which has contributed to one's own growth
    從農業支援工業到工業反哺農業，…… [MSC, trad.]
    从农业支援工业到工业反哺农业，…… [MSC, simp.]
    From: 2005: anon., http://finance.sina.com.cn
    cóng nóngyè zhīyuán gōngyè dào gōngyè fǎnbǔ nóngyè,...... [Pinyin]
    From agriculture supporting industry to industry giving back to agriculture ...

Derived terms
  • 慈烏反哺／慈乌反哺
  • 烏鴉反哺／乌鸦反哺

Descendants
Sino-Xenic (反哺):
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