shèngzhǐ

圣旨

Word · NounTraditional聖旨

imperial edict; boss's order

Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma

Meanings

1 sense · 4 examples
1.

noun

imperial edict or decree (in feudal times); (fig.) order that must be obeyed without question

Historically refers to written orders from the emperor, often read aloud by eunuchs. In modern usage, often used metaphorically (sometimes sarcastically) to describe orders from bosses or authority figures that cannot be questioned.

Tài太
jiān监
xuān宣
dú读
shèng圣
zhǐ旨
 ,
zhòng众
chén臣
guì跪
xià下
jiē接
zhǐ旨
 。

The eunuch read out the imperial edict, and all the officials knelt down to receive the decree.

Lǎo老
bǎn板
de的
huà话
jiù就
shì是
shèng圣
zhǐ旨
 ,
méi没
rén人
gǎn敢
wéi违
kàng抗
 。

The boss's words are like an imperial edict—no one dares to disobey.

Show 2 more examples
Tā他
de的
huà话
nǐ你
jiù就
dàng当
chéng成
shèng圣
zhǐ旨
la啦
 ?

You take his words as an imperial decree? (You obey him that unquestioningly?)

Zhè这
shì是
yī一
dào道
jiā加
gài盖
yù玉
xǐ玺
de的
shèng圣
zhǐ旨
 。

This is an imperial edict stamped with the jade seal.