元勋 (yuán xūn) — founding hero; person of great merit

Definition

元勋 (yuán xūn) means 'founding hero' or 'person of great merit' — used almost exclusively in formal, historical contexts (e.g., 开国元勋, founding fathers of a state). It is much more elevated and literary than everyday words for a contributor or hero.

noun

founding heroperson of great merit

Measure word · 位

Examples

元勋。
Tā shì kāi guó yuán xūn zhī yī.
He is one of the founding fathers.
元勋。
Zhè xiē yuán xūn wèi gé mìng shì yè xiàn chū le shēng mìng.
These founding heroes sacrificed their lives for the revolutionary cause.
元勋。
Guó jiā biǎo zhāng le suǒ yǒu kāi guó yuán xūn.
The state honored all the founding heroes.

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