respectful term for customer; sir (archaic)
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesnoun
a respectful term of address for customers or travelers (used by shopkeepers, innkeepers, boatmen, etc., especially in old times)
archaicPrimarily used in historical contexts, classical Chinese novels, wuxia fiction, and period dramas. Historically used mainly for male guests, though occasionally used generally. Creates an atmosphere of traditional service industry speech.
Kè客
guān官
，
nín您
lǐ里
miàn面
qǐng请
。
Sir, please come in.
Chuán船
jiā家
duì对
kè客
guān官
shuō说
dào道
：
"
fēng风
làng浪
dà大
，
kè客
guān官
xiǎo小
xīn心
。
"
The boatman said to the traveler, "The wind and waves are high, sir, please be careful."
Show 2 more examplesShow fewer examples
Diàn店
jiā家
xiào笑
zhe着
zhāo招
hū呼
：
"
kè客
guān官
，
nín您
yào要
diǎn点
ér儿
shén什
me么
？
"
The shopkeeper greeted with a smile, "Sir/Madam, what would you like?"
Zhè这
wèi位
kè客
guān官
kàn看
qǐ起
lái来
xiàng像
gè个
dú读
shū书
rén人
。
This gentleman looks like a scholar.