student; disciple
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesnoun
student; disciple; pupil
formalUsed in a formal or historical context to refer to a student, often in relation to a respected teacher or master. A more formal/classical synonym for 学生.
The venerable teacher has many outstanding disciples.
As the last disciple of this great master of Chinese studies, he feels deeply honored.
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Ancient scholars often spread their ideas by taking on disciples.
noun
self-referential term used by a successful candidate to the examiner in the imperial examination system
archaicA historical term specific to China's imperial examination system (科举). A candidate who passed the exam would refer to himself as the '门生' of the chief examiner, acknowledging a formal teacher-student relationship.
When newly appointed imperial scholars paid respects to the chief examiner, they called themselves 'your disciple'.
In the era of imperial examinations, the relationship between a disciple (successful candidate) and his examiner-patron was an important political bond.