commoner; law-abiding citizen
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesnoun
commoner; ordinary citizen (in old times)
archaicHistorical term used in dynastic China, contrasting with '贱民' (low-status people) in a class system. Neutral in historical context.
Zài在
fēng封
jiàn建
shí时
dài代
，
liáng良
mín民
hé和
jiàn贱
mín民
de的
shè社
huì会
dì地
wèi位
jié截
rán然
bù不
tóng同
。
In feudal times, the social status of commoners and low-status people was completely different.
Gǔ古
dài代
hù户
jí籍
zhì制
dù度
huì会
jiāng将
rén人
kǒu口
huà划
fēn分
wéi为
liáng良
mín民
yǔ与
jiàn贱
mín民
。
Ancient household registration systems would classify the population as commoners and low-status people.
noun
law-abiding citizen; good citizen (in old times)
archaicRefers to citizens who obey the law and do not cause trouble. Often used in official contexts historically and can imply a positive evaluation.
Zhè这
wèi位
xiàn县
lìng令
jiǎng奖
lì励
dāng当
dì地
de的
liáng良
mín民
，
chéng惩
zhì治
dào盗
zéi贼
。
This county magistrate rewarded the local law-abiding citizens and punished thieves.
Zhèng政
fǔ府
xī希
wàng望
suǒ所
yǒu有
mín民
zhòng众
dōu都
néng能
chéng成
wéi为
liáng良
mín民
。
The government hopes all citizens can become law-abiding people.
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Zài在
nà那
ge个
dòng动
dàng荡
de的
nián年
dài代
，
zuò做
gè个
liáng良
mín民
hěn很
bù不
róng容
yì易
。
In that turbulent era, it was not easy to be a law-abiding citizen.