Tang guard officer; son of high official
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesnoun
guard officer in the Tang dynasty; later, sons of high-ranking officials or bureaucrats
archaicOriginally a military position during the Tang dynasty. By the Five Dynasties and early Song, it was filled by sons of high ministers. Later became a general term for the privileged sons of officials, often implying abuse of power. Frequently appears in classical literature (e.g., 'Water Margin') with negative connotations.
Zài在
《
shuǐ水
hǔ浒
zhuàn传
》
zhōng中
，
Gāo高
Yá衙
nèi内
shì是
gè个
diǎn典
xíng型
de的
è恶
bà霸
xíng形
xiàng象
。
In 'Water Margin', Gao Yanei is a typical image of a local tyrant.
Wǔ五
dài代
shí时
qī期
，
yá衙
nèi内
duō多
yóu由
xūn勋
guì贵
zǐ子
dì弟
chōng充
rèn任
。
During the Five Dynasties period, Yanei positions were mostly filled by children of meritorious noble families.
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Nà那
gè个
yá衙
nèi内
zhàng仗
zhe着
fù父
qīn亲
de的
quán权
shì势
，
héng横
xíng行
xiāng乡
lǐ里
。
That official's son ran rampant in the countryside, relying on his father's power.
Tā他
yī一
fù副
yá衙
nèi内
zuò做
pài派
，
ràng让
rén人
shí十
fēn分
fǎn反
gǎn感
。
He puts on the airs of a privileged official's son, which is quite off-putting.