san4 zi2臣子
Jyutpingsan4 zi2
Yalesàhn jí
Definition
An official serving a monarch in feudal times.
writtenpeople
How it's used
This term is almost exclusively used when discussing historical contexts, period dramas, or literature. It carries a strong sense of hierarchy and feudal duty that does not apply to modern government officials. Using it to describe a contemporary civil servant would sound archaic or sarcastic.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He has been an official for decades and remains very loyal to the emperor.
As an official, how can you speak to the Emperor like that?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to refer to modern government employees or politicians, as it implies a subservient, monarchical relationship that is entirely absent in today's political systems.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
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Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
