About
The character "臣" originates from a pictographic depiction of a vertical eye, symbolizing an individual in a bowed or submissive stance, and initially conveyed the concept of a servant or captive. Over time, its meaning transitioned from denoting a general subordinate to specifically indicating a minister or high-ranking official within imperial administrations, reflecting the formalization of such roles in state hierarchies. Its structural form, which remains consistent as a traditional character, is based on that early ocular representation and functions as a semantic component in compound characters related to service or posture. This semantic progression from a humble attendant to a civil servant demonstrates how the character's application adapted alongside evolving social and political structures while preserving its foundational visual concept.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这位大臣很忠诚。
大臣向国王报告。
古代臣子必须忠心。
他臣服于强大的力量。
这位大臣不仅聪明，而且勇敢。
在历史上，许多臣子为国王牺牲。
大臣们正在讨论国家大事。
尽管面临困难，臣子依然保持忠诚。