Definition
Literally 'teaching master', 教主 refers to the founder or leader of a religion or sect. In modern Chinese internet culture, it's also used—often sarcastically or humorously—to describe a charismatic figurehead of a fan community or any group with devoted followers (e.g., a celebrity or influencer). You may also encounter it in wuxia novels for a martial arts sect leader.
n.
founder of a religion or sect(colloquial) cult leadercharismatic figurehead of a fandom or online community
Examples
- 教主。Zhè wèi jiào zhǔ chuànglì le yí gè xīn de zōngjiào.This founder established a new religion.
- 教主。Zhège míngxīng de fěnsī dōu jiào tā jiào zhǔ.This celebrity's fans all call him the 'cult leader'.
- 教主?Nǐ fěn zhège jiào zhǔ hěn jiǔ le ma?Have you been following this cult leader for a long time?
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