About
The character "妾" is composed of the component 立, meaning "to stand", placed above 女, meaning "woman", a structure that implies a woman in a subordinate or serving position. Etymologically, it originally denoted a female slave or servant in early Chinese society, with its meaning gradually narrowing to specifically refer to a concubine, a secondary wife in polygamous marital systems. This semantic shift from a broad category of servitude to a defined social and legal role reflects changes in familial structures and women's status over centuries, while the character's form has maintained its consistent composition.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
妾身真的不明白。
她是王爷的妾。
古代男子可以娶妻纳妾。
妾室在古代家庭中地位较低。
这位妾侍非常受将军宠爱。
如果妾犯了错，可能会被赶出家门。
尽管妾的地位不如正妻，但有些妾也能获得权力。
在封建社会，妾的子女通常没有继承权。