About
The character "臣" originated as a pictograph of an eye turned sideways, representing a submissive gaze, and its structure has remained an indivisible unit in traditional orthography. Initially denoting a captive or servant, its meaning evolved through feudal contexts to specify a subordinate loyal to a ruler, eventually narrowing to refer to a minister or high official in imperial bureaucracy. This semantic shift from a general state of servitude to a defined political role aligns with historical changes in social hierarchy, and the character continues to carry this connotation in contemporary language within historical and compound terms.
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。