‘伐善’ is a classical Chinese expression meaning 'to boast about one’s own virtues or merits.' The character 伐 (fá) originally meant 'to attack' but in literary usage evolved to mean 'to brag about' or 'to proclaim loudly,' while 善 (shàn) means 'virtue,' 'goodness,' or 'excellence.' Together, they form a compact, slightly formal or critical term describing the act of self-praise—especially when it’s excessive, immodest, or socially inappropriate. It carries a subtle moral judgment, often implying humility is preferable.

This phrase appears most frequently in written or elevated spoken contexts—such as essays, historical anecdotes, or moral instruction—and is rarely used in casual conversation. It reflects Confucian values that emphasize modesty and self-reflection over self-promotion. While not archaic, it sounds refined and deliberate, making it common in idioms like '不伐其善' (bù fá qí shàn, 'not boasting of one’s own virtue') and in commentary on character or leadership.