About
The character "宦" is structurally composed of the radical 宀, representing a building or household, placed above 臣, denoting a servant or subordinate, which collectively suggests a domestic servant or official. Etymologically, its early meaning was associated with serving in a household, particularly in aristocratic or royal settings, where it implied a person in service or training for official duties. Over centuries, the term's application narrowed to specifically refer to eunuchs who served as officials within the imperial palace, leading to the common compound "宦官" for eunuch. While retaining this historical specificity, the character also appears in broader contexts related to bureaucracy or officialdom, reflecting its origins in servitude and administration.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
宦官照顾皇帝的生活。
古代宦官不能结婚。
他的宦途很顺利。
宦官的权力有时很大。
他厌倦了宦海生活。
他辞去官职，告别宦海。
在宦海中，他始终保持清廉。
宦海沉浮，他看透了名利。