in mourning for a parent; observe mourning
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesverb
to be in mourning; to observe the mourning period
archaicA very formal, archaic term from classical Chinese, specifically used for the mandatory mourning period (usually 27 months for a father, 3 years for a mother) observed by officials upon the death of a parent. It carries deep cultural and ritual significance.
Tā他
yīn因
dīng丁
jiān艰
，
bì必
xū须
cí辞
guān官
huí回
xiāng乡
shǒu守
xiào孝
sān三
nián年
。
Because he was in mourning, he had to resign from his official post and return to his hometown to observe the mourning rites for three years.
Gǔ古
shí时
guān官
yuán员
dīng丁
jiān艰
，
yào要
lí离
zhí职
guī归
jiā家
。
In ancient times, officials would leave their posts and return home upon entering mourning.
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Dīng丁
jiān艰
qī期
jiān间
，
xū须
zūn遵
shǒu守
zhū诸
duō多
jìn禁
jì忌
。
During the mourning period, one must observe many taboos.