fěibàng: 诽谤 - Slander, Defamation, Libel

• Keywords: feibang, fěibàng, 诽谤, slander in Chinese, defamation in Chinese, libel in Chinese, Chinese word for slander, false accusation Chinese, damage reputation Chinese, 造谣, 污蔑, Chinese law defamation
• Summary: Learn the powerful Chinese word 诽谤 (fěibàng), which means slander, defamation, or libel. This entry explores its serious legal and cultural implications, breaking down how making false statements to damage someone's reputation is viewed in China. Discover how it differs from simple gossip, its connection to the concept of “face” (面子), and how to use it correctly in modern contexts like legal disputes and online arguments.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): fěibàng
• Part of Speech: Verb, Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 6
• Concise Definition: To attack someone's reputation by making false, malicious statements; the act of slander or defamation itself.
• In a Nutshell: 诽谤 (fěibàng) isn't just casual backbiting; it's a serious and deliberate act of character assassination. Think of it as the formal term for spreading damaging lies with the intent to ruin someone's good name, often leading to social or legal consequences. It carries a heavy weight and is never used lightly.

• 诽 (fěi): This character provides a clear clue to its meaning. It's composed of the “speech” radical 言 (yán) on the left and 非 (fēi) on the right, which means “not,” “wrong,” or “incorrect.” So, 诽 (fěi) literally means “wrong speech.”
• 谤 (bàng): This character also uses the “speech” radical 言 (yán). The right side is 旁 (páng), meaning “side” or “other people.” This suggests speech that spreads “sideways” from person to person.
• Together, 诽谤 (fěibàng) paints a vivid picture: “wrong speech” that is spread “to others” with the purpose of causing harm.

In Western cultures, slander and libel are primarily legal concepts. In China, 诽谤 (fěibàng) is just as much a social and cultural crime. The key to understanding its gravity is the concept of 面子 (miànzi) - “face” or social reputation.

• Attack on “Face”: A person's `面子` is their public image, their honor, and their standing within their community and social networks (guānxi). To 诽谤 (fěibàng) someone is to launch a direct and aggressive attack on their `面子`, which can cause irreparable damage to their personal and professional life.
• Harmony vs. Freedom of Speech: While American culture often prizes freedom of speech, traditional Chinese culture places a higher value on social harmony (和谐, héxié). 诽谤 (fěibàng) is seen as a disruptive act that creates conflict and destroys trust, undermining the harmony of the group (family, company, etc.). The consequences can go beyond legal action to include social ostracism. This makes it a far more potent threat than what a Westerner might consider mere “badmouthing.”

诽谤 (fěibàng) is a formal and serious term. You'll encounter it most often in specific, high-stakes situations.

• Legal Contexts: This is its most common formal usage. It's the official term for defamation in legal proceedings. You'll see it in news reports about lawsuits and in legal documents. The specific crime is called 诽谤罪 (fěibàng zuì).
• Online Disputes (Cyberbullying): With the rise of social media, 诽谤 (fěibàng) is frequently used to describe the act of spreading malicious rumors or doctored information online to ruin the reputation of a person, brand, or public figure. This is a massive issue in modern China.
• Formal Accusations: In a business or political setting, one might formally accuse a rival of 诽谤 (fěibàng) to publicly condemn their tactics and declare them dishonest.

Its connotation is always extremely negative. It is never used casually or jokingly.

• Example 1:
  • 他因在网上诽谤他人而被起诉了。
  • Pinyin: Tā yīn zài wǎngshàng fěibàng tārén ér bèi qǐsù le.
  • English: He was sued for slandering others online.
  • Analysis: This shows 诽谤 used as a verb in a common, modern legal context related to cyberbullying.
• Example 2:
  • 这些毫无根据的言论构成了严重的诽谤。
  • Pinyin: Zhèxiē háo wú gēnjù de yánlùn gòuchéngle yánzhòng de fěibàng.
  • English: These baseless remarks constitute serious slander.
  • Analysis: Here, 诽谤 is used as a noun. The adjective 严重的 (yánzhòng de - serious) often precedes it to add emphasis.
• Example 3:
  • 你不能因为不喜欢他就随意诽谤他。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ bùnéng yīnwèi bù xǐhuān tā jiù suíyì fěibàng tā.
  • English: You can't just slander him as you please simply because you don't like him.
  • Analysis: A direct warning against the act of slander. 随意 (suíyì) means “casually” or “at will,” highlighting the unacceptable nature of the action.
• Example 4:
  • 这家报纸刊登了一篇充满诽谤的文章。
  • Pinyin: Zhè jiā bàozhǐ kāndēngle yī piān chōngmǎn fěibàng de wénzhāng.
  • English: This newspaper published an article full of libel.
  • Analysis: This example refers to written defamation (libel). 充满 (chōngmǎn) means “to be full of.”
• Example 5:
  • 面对竞争对手的诽谤，公司发布了官方声明。
  • Pinyin: Miànduì jìngzhēng duìshǒu de fěibàng, gōngsī fābùle guānfāng shēngmíng.
  • English: Facing the slander from its competitor, the company issued an official statement.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates a common business scenario where 诽谤 (as a noun) is used to describe a rival's unethical tactics.
• Example 6:
  • 停止你的诽谤！你说的都不是真的。
  • Pinyin: Tíngzhǐ nǐ de fěibàng! Nǐ shuō de dōu bùshì zhēn de.
  • English: Stop your slander! Nothing you're saying is true.
  • Analysis: A direct and confrontational use of the term, suitable for a heated argument where one is being falsely accused.
• Example 7:
  • 他被指控犯有诽谤罪。
  • Pinyin: Tā bèi zhǐkòng fàn yǒu fěibàngzuì.
  • English: He was accused of committing the crime of defamation.
  • Analysis: This shows the specific legal term 诽谤罪 (fěibàngzuì), “the crime of slander/defamation.”
• Example 8:
  • 这种行为不仅不道德，而且可能构成诽谤。
  • Pinyin: Zhè zhǒng xíngwéi bùjǐn bù dàodé, érqiě kěnéng gòuchéng fěibàng.
  • English: This kind of behavior is not only immoral, but it could also constitute defamation.
  • Analysis: A good sentence structure (不仅… 而且… - not only… but also…) that distinguishes between moral judgment and a potential legal offense.
• Example 9:
  • 在公共平台诽谤名人是违法的。
  • Pinyin: Zài gōnggòng píngtái fěibàng míngrén shì wéifǎ de.
  • English: Slandering a celebrity on a public platform is against the law.
  • Analysis: A clear statement of fact about the legal reality in China, especially concerning public figures.
• Example 10:
  • 她决定采取法律手段来回应这些恶意的诽谤。
  • Pinyin: Tā juédìng cǎiqǔ fǎlǜ shǒuduàn lái huíyìng zhèxiē èyì de fěibàng.
  • English: She decided to take legal action to respond to this malicious slander.
  • Analysis: The adjective 恶意的 (èyì de - malicious) is often paired with 诽谤 to emphasize the ill intent behind the act.

The most common mistake English speakers make is confusing 诽谤 (fěibàng) with general gossip or complaining.

• “False Friend”: 诽谤 (fěibàng) vs. Gossip (八卦, bāguà)
  • 诽谤 (fěibàng) is a serious, malicious, and false statement intended to ruin a reputation. It has legal weight.
  • 八卦 (bāguà) is informal gossip, celebrity news, or casual chatter about others. It can be true or untrue, harmless or catty, but it lacks the severe intent and formality of `诽谤`.
• Incorrect Usage:
  • `我们刚才在诽谤我们的老板。` (Wǒmen gāngcái zài fěibàng wǒmen de lǎobǎn.)
  • Why it's wrong: This sentence means “We were just slandering our boss.” Using `诽谤` here is far too strong and sounds like you were plotting to legally or socially destroy your boss. It makes you sound malicious and overly dramatic.
  • Correct Usage: `我们刚才在八卦我们的老板。` (Wǒmen gāngcái zài bāguà wǒmen de lǎobǎn.) - “We were just gossiping about our boss.” This is the natural and correct way to express this idea.

Key takeaway: Reserve 诽谤 (fěibàng) for situations where you are talking about serious, reputation-destroying lies. For everyday chatting about people, use 八卦 (bāguà).

• 造谣 (zàoyáo) - To create and spread a rumor. Focuses on the *act of creating the lie*, while `诽谤` focuses on the *reputational damage* it causes. They are often used together.
• 污蔑 (wūmiè) - To besmirch or slander. Carries a strong connotation of “staining” or “dirtying” someone's name (污 means filth, dirt).
• 中伤 (zhòngshāng) - To malign or slander; literally “to wound with words.” It vividly emphasizes the emotional hurt inflicted on the victim.
• 诋毁 (dǐhuǐ) - To vilify or denigrate. A very formal and strong synonym for `诽谤`.
• 谣言 (yáoyán) - A rumor (noun). This is the product of `造谣` and the tool used for `诽谤`.
• 八卦 (bāguà) - Gossip. The informal, less severe counterpart to `诽谤`.
• 名誉 (míngyù) - Reputation; good name. This is the primary target that `诽谤` seeks to destroy.
• 面子 (miànzi) - “Face”; social standing. `诽谤` is a direct attack on a person's `面子`.
• 诽谤罪 (fěibàng zuì) - The specific legal term for the crime of defamation, slander, or libel.