(shēn) — gentry, the class of scholar-officials in traditional China; (historical) sash worn by officials as a symbol of rank

Definition

绅 refers to the scholar-gentry class in imperial China — local elites (often former officials) who led rural communities. Today it survives mostly in 绅士 ('gentleman') and 乡绅 (country gentry).

noun
gentrythe class of scholar-officials in traditional China(historical) sash worn by officials as a symbol of rank

Examples

  • Gǔ dài guān yuán de shēn dài xiàng zhēng qí shēn fèn.
    The sash of ancient officials symbolized their status.
  • Zhè wèi shēn shì zài dāng dì hěn yǒu yǐng xiǎng lì.
    This gentleman has great influence locally.
  • Xǔ duō xiāng shēn dōu zhī chí xiū jiàn xué xiào.
    Many country gentry supported building schools.

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