queen of flowers (esp. plum blossom); top courtesan
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
2 senses · 4 examplesnoun
queen of flowers; champion among flowers
literaryIn classical poetry and literature, often refers to the plum blossom, which is celebrated for blooming in winter and symbolizing resilience and purity.
Méi梅
huā花
ào傲
xuě雪
zhàn绽
fàng放
，
bèi被
yù誉
wéi为
huā花
kuí魁
。
The plum blossom, blooming proudly in the snow, is praised as the queen of flowers.
Gǔ古
rén人
jiāng将
mǔ牡
dān丹
yǔ与
méi梅
huā花
bìng并
chēng称
wéi为
huā花
zhōng中
zhī之
kuí魁
。
Ancient people referred to both the peony and the plum blossom as the champions among flowers.
noun
the most famous or celebrated courtesan (archaic)
archaicA historical term used to refer to the most celebrated and skilled courtesan in a pleasure quarter. This usage is archaic and not appropriate in modern contexts.
Zài在
míng明
qīng清
xiǎo小
shuō说
zhōng中
，
Lǐ李
Xiāng香
jūn君
cháng常
bèi被
miáo描
huì绘
wéi为
jīn金
líng陵
de的
huā花
kuí魁
。
In Ming and Qing dynasty novels, Li Xiangjun is often depicted as the top courtesan of Jinling.
Huā花
kuí魁
dà大
sài赛
shì是
gǔ古
dài代
qīng青
lóu楼
xuǎn选
bá拔
tóu头
pái牌
de的
huó活
dòng动
。
The 'Flower Queen' competition was an event in ancient brothels to select the top courtesan.