recluse scholar; literati not in government service
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
2 senses · 4 examplesnoun
a virtuous and talented person who lives in seclusion and declines an official post
literaryOriginal, more specific meaning. Reflects the Confucian ideal of a noble person who chooses a private life over public service.
Gǔ古
shí时
bù不
shǎo少
chǔ处
shì士
yǐn隐
jū居
yú于
shān山
lín林
zhī之
jiān间
。
In ancient times, many reclusive scholars lived in seclusion among the mountains and forests.
Tā他
dàn淡
bó泊
míng名
lì利
，
yǒu有
chǔ处
shì士
zhī之
fēng风
。
He is indifferent to fame and fortune, possessing the demeanor of a recluse scholar.
noun
a scholar who has never held an official government position
literaryLater, broader meaning. Refers to any educated man (literati) outside the government bureaucracy.
Tā他
suī虽
wéi为
chǔ处
shì士
，
dàn但
zài在
xiāng乡
lǐ里
pō颇
shòu受
zūn尊
jìng敬
。
Although he was a scholar not in office, he was highly respected in his hometown.
Dì地
fang方
shàng上
de的
xǔ许
duō多
chǔ处
shì士
yě也
cān参
yù与
le了
zhè这
cì次
shī诗
huì会
。
Many local literati who were not officials also participated in this poetry gathering.