B2adjectiveformalrelationshipssociety
US/ˈfɪl.i.əl/
UK/ˈfɪl.i.əl/
relating to the duty and respect that a son or daughter owes to their parents
In context
In many Asian cultures, filial duty means caring for parents in their old age.
She left her job out of filial love to look after her sick mother.
Filial respect is taught to children from a very young age in this family.
Words that go with filial
adjective + noun
- filial dutyHe felt a strong filial duty to support his parents.
- filial pietyFilial piety is a core value in Confucian thought.
- filial respectThe tradition requires filial respect toward elders.
- filial loveHer filial love kept her close to home.
- filial responsibilitySome laws place filial responsibility on adult children.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
She is very filial to her parents.Correct: She is a dutiful daughter to her parents.