residential area of common people; the folk; commoners
Meanings
2 senses · 4 examplesnoun
residential area of common people; the folk; the common neighborhood
literaryOriginally referred to the gates of commoners' lanes (闾 and 阎 were types of gates), later metonymically referred to the residential areas themselves and thence to common folk. Used in classical and formal written Chinese.
The residential quarters of the common people were prosperous and wealthy, and the state treasury was full.
In this place, commoners' houses cover the ground like mats, and merchants gather like clouds.
noun
commoner; civilian; ordinary folk
literaryUsed as a collective noun referring to the common people as opposed to the aristocracy or officials. Highly literary and archaic.
As an official, one ought to understand the sufferings of the common folk.
In ancient times, imperial edicts were announced throughout the land so that all commoners would know.