Definition
后裔 (hòu yì) is a formal, literary term for a descendant, often of a notable or historical figure (e.g., 孔子). It is narrower than 后代 (hòu dài, 'offspring, later generations') and more specific to lineage than 子孙 (zǐ sūn, 'offspring, blood descendants'). Use 后裔 when referring to a single descendant in a prestigious or written context.
noun
descendant
Examples
- 后裔。Jùshuō tā shì Kǒngzǐ de hòu yì.He is said to be a descendant of Confucius.
- 后裔。Zhèxiē hòu yì zhìjīn réng bǎoliú zhe zǔxiān de yǔyán.These descendants still preserve the language of their ancestors to this day.
- 后裔。Wǒmen jiāzú de hòu yì biànbù shìjiè gèdì.The descendants of our clan are spread all over the world.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.