greet elders; pay respects
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesverb
to greet; to pay one's respects (especially to elders)
formalA respectful and formal way to inquire about an elder's well-being, traditionally performed by younger family members. Often used in historical or traditional family contexts.
Tā他
měi每
tiān天
zǎo早
chén晨
dōu都
xiàng向
fù父
mǔ母
wèn问
ān安
。
He greets his parents every morning to ask after their health.
Àn按
zhào照
chuán传
tǒng统
，
wǎn晚
bèi辈
yào要
xiàng向
zhǎng长
bèi辈
wèn问
ān安
。
According to tradition, younger generations should pay their respects to elders.
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Gǔ古
dài代
dà大
chén臣
měi每
rì日
shàng上
cháo朝
qián前
xū需
xiàng向
huáng皇
dì帝
wèn问
ān安
。
In ancient times, ministers had to greet the emperor and ask after his health before attending court each day.