bì

梐

Character · Noun · Honorific prefixTraditional陛

imperial palace steps; emperor

Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma

Meanings

2 senses · 5 examples
1.

noun

palace steps; steps leading to the throne

literary

Originally refers to the steps leading to the imperial throne, a symbol of the emperor's authority. Now almost exclusively used in classical or formal historical contexts.

Wén文
wǔ武
bǎi百
guān官
liè列
yú于
bì陛
qián前
 。

All civil and military officials stood in rows before the palace steps.

Bì陛
xià下
shì是
gǔ古
shí时
duì对
jūn君
zhǔ主
de的
zūn尊
chēng称
 。

‘Bixia’ was an honorific title for a sovereign in ancient times.

2.

honorific prefix

(honorific prefix for the emperor)

formal

Primarily used in the honorific compound '陛下 (Bì xià)', which means 'Your Majesty' or 'His/Her Majesty'. It is a formal term of direct address or reference to the emperor.

Bì陛
xià下
shèng圣
míng明
 。

Your Majesty is wise and brilliant.

Chén臣
yǒu有
běn本
yào要
zòu奏
míng明
bì陛
xià下
 。

I, your servant, have a memorial to present to Your Majesty.

Show 1 more example
Bì陛
xià下
wàn万
suì岁
wàn万
suì岁
wàn万
wàn万
suì岁
 。

Long live Your Majesty (for ten thousand, ten thousand, and ten thousand years).