王公 (Wáng gōng) — princes and dukes; the nobility; the aristocracy

Definition

noun
princes and dukesthe nobilitythe aristocracy
Easily confused

Examples

  • 王公。
    Gǔ dài de Wáng gōng jū zhù zài hóng wěi de gōng diàn lǐ.
    In ancient times, princes and dukes lived in magnificent palaces.
  • 王公。
    Zhè wèi Wáng gōng de hòu dài xiàn zài guò zhe pǔ tōng rén de shēng huó.
    The descendants of this nobleman now live ordinary lives.
  • 王公。
    Lì shǐ shàng xǔ duō Wáng gōng dōu céng zhī chí yì shù yǔ jiào yù.
    Historically, many princes and dukes supported art and education.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéSide by side

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

王wángking
公gōngduke

“王” and “公” are noble titles combined to mean nobility.

Characters in this word

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

The shape of 王 comes from a picture of a ritual axe, an object kept near a throne and connected with royal power.

Open 王 →

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

One theory sees 公 as a picture of a wide-mouthed, round-bottomed jar.

Open 公 →

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