绅 (shēn) - A sash worn by ancient officials and scholars & a gentleman

绅Tone 1

shēn ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 纟

上姝

绅 · shēn

A sash worn by ancient officials and scholars;

a gentleman;

a member of the gentry class.

A sash worn by ancient officials and scholarsa gentlemana member of the gentry class.

Usage highlights

GentlemanGentryGentleman's agreementGentlemanly demeanorLocal gentryScholar

Synonyms

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He is a local gentleman (绅士).
  • The gentry class (绅士阶层) had significant influence.
  • This is a gentleman's agreement (绅士协定).
  • He behaved in a gentlemanly manner (绅士风度).

Collocations

  • Gentleman(绅士)
  • Gentry(绅士阶层)
  • Gentleman's agreement(绅士协定)
  • Gentlemanly demeanor(绅士风度)
  • Local gentry(乡绅)
  • Scholar-gentry(士绅)

Idioms

  • The gentry and the commoners(绅民)
  • The gentry and merchants(绅商)
  • The gentry and officials(绅官)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally referred to the wide sash worn by scholar-officials in imperial China, symbolizing their status.
  • By extension, came to denote the educated elite and local gentry class who often served as community leaders.
  • In modern usage, often carries connotations of refinement, politeness, and gentlemanly conduct.

FAQ