Definition
南面 is a noun that primarily means 'the south side' or 'southern face' of something — the side that faces south. It can also refer to the southern direction generally. In classical Chinese and historical texts, 南面 referred to the emperor's position (since the emperor sat facing south), and by extension 'the emperor' or 'to rule as emperor'. This historical sense is rarely used in modern everyday speech but appears in formal writing and historical contexts.
n.
south sidesouthern face (of a building, mountain, etc.)the south (direction, area)(historical) the emperor's positionthe throne
Examples
- 南面。Zhè dòng lóu de nán miàn yǒu yí gè dà yángtái.The south side of this building has a large balcony.
- 南面。Chéngshì de nán miàn zhèngzài jiànshè xīn de shāngyè qū.A new commercial district is being built in the south of the city.
- 南面，。Gǔdài dìwáng nán miàn ér zhì, xiàngzhēng quánlì.Ancient emperors faced south to rule, symbolizing their authority.
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