abdication; yielding throne to another
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesverb
to abdicate the throne in favor of another; to yield imperial power to a worthy successor rather than one's own son
formalA historical term referring to the legendary practice in ancient China (associated with rulers Yao and Shun) where the throne was passed to the most capable person rather than by hereditary succession. Contrast with 世袭 (hereditary succession).
Chuán传
shuō说
zhōng中
，
Yáo尧
Shùn舜
shí实
xíng行
shàn禅
ràng让
，
chuán传
xián贤
bù不
chuán传
zǐ子
。
According to legend, Yao and Shun practiced abdication, passing power to the virtuous rather than to their sons.
Shàn禅
ràng让
zhì制
shì是
Zhōng中
guó国
gǔ古
dài代
zhèng政
zhì治
zhì制
dù度
zhōng中
de的
yī一
zhǒng种
lǐ理
xiǎng想
mó模
shì式
。
The abdication system was an ideal model in ancient Chinese political institutions.
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Tā他
shàn禅
ràng让
tiān天
xià下
gěi给
yǒu有
dé德
zhī之
rén人
，
shēn深
shòu受
bǎi百
xìng姓
ài爱
dài戴
。
He abdicated the empire to a person of virtue, earning the deep affection of the people.