Keywords: tingcong, 听从, obey Chinese, follow advice Chinese, heed Chinese, Chinese word for listen and obey, tingcong meaning, what does tingcong mean, Chinese culture respect, 服从 vs 听从, HSK 5 vocabulary
Summary: Learn the Chinese word 听从 (tīngcóng), which means to heed, obey, or follow advice or instructions. More than just “listening,” 听从 implies a conscious decision to act upon what is heard, often out of respect for authority, wisdom, or rules. This term is central to understanding Chinese cultural concepts like filial piety and respect for elders, and is commonly used in contexts ranging from family and doctors' advice to workplace commands.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): tīngcóng
Part of Speech: Verb
HSK Level: HSK 5
Concise Definition: To listen to and obey; to act in accordance with advice or an order.
In a Nutshell: 听从 (tīngcóng) is a compound verb that beautifully merges “listening” with “acting.” It's not passive hearing; it's active compliance. Think of it as “listen-and-follow.” You would 听从 a doctor's medical advice, a parent's guidance, or a manager's instructions. The word carries a sense of trust and respect for the person or authority giving the command or suggestion.
Character Breakdown
听 (tīng): This character means “to listen” or “to hear.” It is composed of the “ear” radical 耳 (ěr) on the left, signifying its connection to hearing, and a phonetic component on the right.
从 (cóng): This character is a pictograph of one person (人) walking behind another (人). It vividly means “to follow,” “to comply with,” or “from.”
The two characters combine logically: to listen (听) and then follow (从). This creates the complete meaning of heeding advice or obeying a command.
Cultural Context and Significance
In Chinese culture, 听从 is deeply connected to the core values of filial piety (孝顺, xiàoshùn) and respect for hierarchy and age. The phrase “听父母的话” (tīng fùmǔ de huà - listen to your parents' words) is a fundamental tenet of a child's upbringing. This isn't seen as blind obedience but as a sign of respect for the parents' wisdom and experience.
Comparison with Western Culture: In many Western cultures, particularly American culture, there is a strong emphasis on individualism and questioning authority. The English word “obey” can sometimes carry a negative connotation of being servile or lacking critical thought. In contrast, 听从 is often viewed positively in China as a sign of being reasonable, respectful, and wise. For example, a patient who 听从 their doctor's advice is considered smart and responsible, not weak. It highlights a cultural preference for trusting experts and respecting established social structures.
Practical Usage in Modern China
In the Family: This is one of the most common contexts. Parents expect their children to 听从 their guidance on everything from studies to life choices.
At Work: An employee is expected to 听从 the arrangements or instructions (安排, ānpái) of their supervisor. This is a standard part of professional conduct.
Healthcare: A patient is always advised to 听从 the doctor's orders (医嘱, yīzhǔ) for treatment and recovery.
Formal vs. Informal:听从 is a neutral to slightly formal term. In very casual situations among friends, a word like 听 (tīng - “listen to me”) might be more common. Using 听从 with a friend implies you are giving them very serious, important advice that they should follow.
Connotation: The connotation is overwhelmingly positive or neutral. It implies good sense and respect. The only time it becomes negative is when modified, for example, 盲目听从 (mángmù tīngcóng), which means “to follow blindly.”
Example Sentences
Example 1:
为了你的健康，你必须听从医生的建议。
Pinyin: Wèile nǐ de jiànkāng, nǐ bìxū tīngcóng yīshēng de jiànyì.
English: For the sake of your health, you must follow the doctor's advice.
Analysis: A very common and practical usage. It shows a clear instruction based on expertise.
Example 2:
孩子们应该听从父母的教导。
Pinyin: Háizimen yīnggāi tīngcóng fùmǔ de jiàodǎo.
English: Children should heed their parents' guidance.
Analysis: This sentence reflects the cultural value of filial piety (孝顺).
Example 3:
作为一名士兵，听从命令是他的天职。
Pinyin: Zuòwéi yī míng shìbīng, tīngcóng mìnglìng shì tā de tiānzhí.
English: As a soldier, it is his bounden duty to obey orders.
Analysis: Here, 听从 takes on a much stronger, non-negotiable meaning of “obey,” suitable for a military context.
Example 4:
我很后悔当初没有听从朋友的劝告。
Pinyin: Wǒ hěn hòuhuǐ dāngchū méiyǒu tīngcóng péngyǒu de quàngào.
English: I really regret not having followed my friend's advice back then.
Analysis: This example highlights the consequence of *not* heeding good advice.
Example 5:
所有员工都必须听从公司的最新安排。
Pinyin: Suǒyǒu yuángōng dōu bìxū tīngcóng gōngsī de zuìxīn ānpái.
English: All employees must follow the company's latest arrangements.
Analysis: A typical workplace example demonstrating a top-down instruction.
Example 6:
他这个人太固执，从不听从别人的意见。
Pinyin: Tā zhè ge rén tài gùzhí, cóngbù tīngcóng biérén de yìjiàn.
English: He is too stubborn and never listens to anyone else's opinion.
Analysis: Using 听从 in a negative sentence to describe a character flaw.
English: In an emergency, please follow the directions of the on-site staff.
Analysis: This is common in public announcements and highlights the need for order and compliance for safety.
Example 8:
一个好的领导者也需要学会听从团队的声音。
Pinyin: Yī ge hǎo de lǐngdǎozhě yě xūyào xuéhuì tīngcóng tuánduì de shēngyīn.
English: A good leader also needs to learn to heed the voice of the team.
Analysis: This shows a more nuanced use, where heeding advice is a sign of good leadership, not just submission.
Example 9:
你为什么就是不肯听从我的解释呢？
Pinyin: Nǐ wèishénme jiùshì bùkěn tīngcóng wǒ de jiěshì ne?
English: Why won't you just accept my explanation?
Analysis: Here, 听从 is used more figuratively to mean “accept” or “believe” an explanation, implying the listener should follow the speaker's line of reasoning.
Example 10:
我们应该听从内心的召唤，追求自己的梦想。
Pinyin: Wǒmen yīnggāi tīngcóng nèixīn de zhàohuàn, zhuīqiú zìjǐ de mèngxiǎng.
English: We should follow the call of our hearts and pursue our dreams.
Analysis: A beautiful, abstract use of the term, showing it can apply to internal guidance as well as external authority.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
听 (tīng) vs. 听从 (tīngcóng): This is the most common point of confusion for learners.
听 (tīng) is simply the act of hearing sound or listening. You can “hear” someone's advice but choose to ignore it.
听从 (tīngcóng) means you hear the advice *and* act on it.
Correct: 我听了你的建议，但我觉得不可行，所以没有听从。 (Wǒ tīngle nǐ de jiànyì, dàn wǒ juédé bù kěxíng, suǒyǐ méiyǒu tīngcóng.) - “I heard your suggestion, but I didn't think it was feasible, so I didn't follow it.”
听从 (tīngcóng) vs. 遵守 (zūnshǒu):
听从 is generally for advice, instructions, or commands from a *person* or authority figure (a doctor, a boss, a parent).
遵守 (zūnshǒu) is used for abiding by abstract rules, laws, contracts, or principles.
Correct: 我们要遵守交通规则。 (Wǒmen yào zūnshǒu jiāotōng guīzé.) - “We must abide by the traffic rules.”
Incorrect: 我们要听从交通规则。 (This sounds awkward, as a rule is not a person giving a command.)
Related Terms and Concepts
听话 (tīnghuà) - More colloquial, literally “listen to words.” It's often used to describe children as being “obedient” or “well-behaved.” It's less formal than 听从.
服从 (fúcóng) - A stronger word for “obey,” often implying submission to a higher authority with little room for negotiation (e.g., military, government). It's more formal and carries a greater sense of power dynamics.
遵守 (zūnshǒu) - To abide by, comply with, or observe (rules, laws, regulations, promises). Focuses on adherence to a system, not a person.
顺从 (shùncóng) - To be compliant or submissive. Can sometimes suggest a passive or even weak-willed obedience.
采纳 (cǎinà) - To adopt or accept (a suggestion, plan, or opinion). This is what you do after you 听从 advice; you formally accept it.
违背 (wéibèi) - An antonym meaning to violate or go against (orders, principles, one's conscience). The opposite of 听从 or 遵守.
孝顺 (xiàoshùn) - Filial piety. The cultural concept that a child should respect, support, and be obedient to their parents. 听从 is a major component of being 孝顺.