young master; lordling; spoiled rich kid
Meanings
3 senses · 7 examplesnoun
(in former times) young master (term used by servants for their master's son)
archaicSpecific to the hierarchical master-servant relationship in traditional Chinese society.
The young master has returned; quickly prepare the tea.
The master ordered the young master to go to the study to read.
noun
(in former times) your son (respectful address)
honorificUsed as a polite honorific when inquiring about or referring to another person's son.
How is your father's health? How old is your son (the young master) this year?
Your son is really promising; he got into a famous university.
noun
young master; lordling; spoiled rich kid
archaicRefers to male youth from wealthy, bureaucratic, or landlord families. Modern usage often carries negative connotations of entitlement, laziness, and extravagance, as seen in phrases like 少爷作风 (young master mentality).
He has been a young master since childhood; he has never done any work.
This young master has a serious 'young master mentality'; he cannot endure hardship.
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Their family were landlords who raised a playboy young master.