宅门 (zhái mén) — gate of a mansion; (by extension) a wealthy or influential family; a great house
Definition
Literally the gate of a traditional Chinese mansion, used as a metonym for the wealthy or powerful family living behind it (especially in old Beijing). A culturally loaded, literary term — say 豪宅 for a modern rich family's house instead.
noun
gate of a mansion(by extension) a wealthy or influential familya great house
Measure word · 道
Examples
- 宅门。Zhè zuò zhái mén hěn qì pài.This mansion gate is very imposing.
- 宅门。Tā men jiā shì dāng dì yǒu míng de zhái mén.Their family is a well-known great house in the area.
- 宅门。Lǎo běi jīng de zhái mén wén huà hěn yǒu tè sè.The culture of old Beijing great houses is very distinctive.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.