紳 (shēn) - Gentleman — refers to a scholar-gentleman, a refined

紳Tone 1

shēn ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

上姝

紳 · shēn

Gentleman — refers to a scholar-gentleman, a refined man of the upper class in traditional Chinese society, often one who wore a sash or girdle.

Gentleman — refers to a scholar-gentleman, a refined

Usage highlights

GentlemanGentrySash, girdleScholarRefined gentlemanLocal gentry

Synonyms

  • 士— scholar, gentleman (broader term)
  • 君子— nobleman, virtuous person

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He carries himself like a gentleman (绅士风度).
  • The local gentry were influential (地方绅士).
  • This is a gentleman's agreement (绅士协定).
  • He wore a traditional sash (绅带).

Collocations

  • Gentleman(绅士)
  • Gentry(乡绅)
  • Sash, girdle(绅带)
  • Scholar-gentleman(士绅)
  • Refined gentleman(绅衿)
  • Local gentry(缙绅)

Idioms

  • The gentry and officials(缙绅先生)
  • Distinguished gentlemen(搢绅之士)
  • The way of the gentleman(绅笏之道)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In imperial China, a 'shen' was a scholar-official or a member of the local elite who had passed the civil service examinations.
  • The character originally depicted a 'sash' or 'girdle', which was part of the official dress, hence its association with the educated elite.
  • The term '绅士' (gentleman) embodies Confucian ideals of cultivated morality, propriety, and social responsibility.

FAQ