nervous and cautious; trepidation
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesadjective
nervous and cautious; filled with trepidation
literaryAn archaic, highly formal literary term. Almost exclusively used in classical-style memorials to the emperor or in very formal correspondences to express utmost reverence and anxiety while awaiting orders. The phrase '不胜冰兢' (cannot help being filled with trepidation) is a set expression. Its usage in modern contexts is extremely rare and would be considered highly stylized.
Chén臣
bú不
shèng胜
bīng冰
yíng兢
dài待
mìng命
zhī之
zhì至
。
Your servant, filled with utmost trepidation, awaits your command.
Fú伏
wàng望
bì陛
xià下
míng明
chá察
，
chén臣
jǐn谨
yǐ以
bīng冰
yíng兢
zhī之
xīn心
shàng上
zòu奏
。
I humbly hope Your Majesty will investigate clearly; I submit this memorial with a heart full of cautious trepidation.
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Yuè阅
bì毕
jūn钧
yù谕
，
bīng冰
yíng兢
zhī之
xīn心
，
wú无
yǐ以
fù复
jiā加
。
Having read your esteemed instruction, my feeling of anxious reverence is indescribable.