born of the principal wife; legitimate
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesverb
to be born of the principal wife (as opposed to a concubine)
archaicHistorically used in feudal society to distinguish children born to the principal wife (正妻) from those born to concubines (庶出). This distinction was crucial for inheritance rights and social status in traditional Chinese family law.
Tā他
shì是
zhèng正
chū出
，
suǒ所
yǐ以
xiǎng享
yǒu有
yōu优
xiān先
jì继
chéng承
quán权
。
He was born of the principal wife, so he enjoys priority in inheritance rights.
Zài在
gǔ古
dài代
zōng宗
fǎ法
zhì制
dù度
xià下
，
zhèng正
chū出
yǔ与
shù庶
chū出
de的
dì地
wèi位
chā差
bié别
hěn很
dà大
。
Under the ancient patriarchal clan system, there was a great difference in status between those born of the principal wife and those born of concubines.
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Zhèng正
chū出
zhī之
zǐ子
tōng通
cháng常
bèi被
shì视
wéi为
jiā家
zú族
de的
zhèng正
zōng宗
jì继
chéng承
rén人
。
Sons born of the principal wife were usually regarded as the legitimate heirs of the family.