施恩

shī'ēn
verb #33,290

Meanings

  1. 1 to bestow a favor
  2. 2 to confer kindness on someone
  3. 3 to grant grace

Examples

Huángdì shī'ēn yú bǎixìng.
The emperor bestowed favor upon the common people.
Wǒ bù xūyào biérén shī'ēn.
I don't need anyone's charity.
Shī'ēn bù tú bào.
To do a kindness without seeking repayment.

Tips

register
施恩 is a literary, slightly old-fashioned word — it carries the flavor of imperial decrees and Confucian ethics. In casual speech 帮忙 (bāngmáng, 'to help') or 行善 (xíngshàn, 'to do good') is more natural. Used today, 施恩 often implies a hierarchy: the giver is in the stronger position, which is why 需要施恩 ('I don't need your charity') has a defensive edge.
history
The classic four-character phrase 施恩 ('confer kindness without seeking reward') captures the Confucian ideal of unselfish benevolence and is still quoted today as a moral standard.

Stroke Order

shī
ēn