humble self-reference; willingness to serve
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesnoun
a humble self-reference used by subjects to the monarch in ancient times, comparing oneself to a dog or horse to express willingness to serve
humbleUsed as a classical humble term (谦称) by subjects addressing their sovereign. Commonly appears in set phrases such as 效犬马之劳.
Chén臣
yuàn愿
xiào效
quǎn犬
mǎ马
zhī之
láo劳
。
This humble servant is willing to render loyal service.
Gǔ古
rén人
cháng常
yǐ以
quǎn犬
mǎ马
zì自
bǐ比
，
yǐ以
shì示
zhōng忠
xīn心
。
Ancient people often compared themselves to dogs and horses to demonstrate their loyalty.
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Tā他
zì自
chēng称
yuàn愿
wéi为
shàng上
si司
xiào效
quǎn犬
mǎ马
zhī之
láo劳
。
He claimed he was willing to render devoted service to his superior.