门楣 (mén méi) — the lintel of a door; the horizontal beam above a doorway; family status; the honor or prestige of a family (especially in traditional contexts)
Definition
Literally 'door lintel,' but figuratively refers to a family's reputation and social standing. The higher the 门楣, the more prestige the family has — a classical/traditional concept tied to honor and lineage.
noun
the lintel of a doorthe horizontal beam above a doorwayfamily statusthe honor or prestige of a family (especially in traditional contexts)
Examples
- 门楣。Zhè zuò lǎo zhái de mén méi shàng kè zhe jīng měi de huā wén.The lintel of this old house is carved with exquisite patterns.
- ，门楣。Tā kǎo zhòng le zhuàng yuan, guāng yào le quán jiā de mén méi.He came first in the imperial exams, bringing glory to the whole family.
- ，门楣。Zài gǔ dài, mén qián de mén méi gāo dī zhí jiē dài biǎo zhè hù rén de shè huì dì wèi.In ancient times, the height of the lintel at the entrance directly represented the social status of the household.
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