Definitions
(noun)
high ranking official (ancient)
(noun)
term of endearment between spouses (classical); honorific term of address
Etymology
About
The character "卿" originally depicted two figures seated opposite each other with a vessel of food, conveying the idea of a shared banquet. Its modern form is structured with the component "卯" on the left, a central element historically derived from a human figure, and "卩" on the right. Initially denoting a ceremonial feast, the term's meaning expanded to refer to the court officials who attended such events, eventually becoming a title for high-ranking ministers. It further developed into a form of address used by rulers towards their subordinates, and in literary contexts, it served as an intimate or respectful second-person pronoun.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
国务卿出席了会议。
他是著名的国务卿。
新任国务卿来自纽约。
卿在古时指高级官员。
她温柔地称他为卿。
国王对卿说：“谢谢你的忠诚。”
这位国务卿推动了和平谈判。
在历史剧中，演员扮演的卿角色很出色。