请安 (qǐng ān) — to pay respects (with a traditional gesture of obeisance or greeting)
Definition
A formal/archaic verb meaning to pay one's respects to an elder, often with a traditional gesture (bow, bent knee). Used for ceremonial greetings to superiors, not casual hellos.
verb
to pay respects (with a traditional gesture of obeisance or greeting)
Examples
- 请安。Tā měi tiān zǎo chén dōu yào qù gěi zǔ mǔ qǐng ān.He goes to pay respects to his grandmother every morning.
- ，。Zài gǔ dài, wǎn bèi jiàn dào zhǎng bèi yào qǐng yí gè ān.In ancient times, juniors had to perform a bow of respect when meeting elders.
- ，。Tā xué zhe gǔ rén de yàng zi, gěi kè rén qǐng le gè ān.She imitated the ancients and made a bow of respect to the guest.
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