Han character 倿

It is a variant of 佞, meaning a glib flatterer or sycophant.

In Mandarin, 佞 is read nìng. An early Chinese character dictionary, Shuowen Jiezi, glosses it as verbal skill and talent; classical writing also uses it critically for smooth speech meant to curry favor. In a condemnatory passage, “flatterer” or “sycophant” fits better than neutral “eloquent speaker.”

Why is 倿 linked to 佞?

It is a recorded spelling variant of the same word.

A form of 倿 appears on the tomb inscription for Xiao Zhengbiao and in Wu Zixu bianwen, a traditional narrative about the Chinese figure Wu Zixu. These records give the spelling a historical trail without creating a separate meaning.

When should you use 倿?

Use it when preserving a source or discussing the variant.

For ordinary edited Chinese, 佞 is the safer spelling; without context, 倿 may look like a transcription mistake. Preserve 倿 when exact historical wording matters.