Definitions
minor government official or functionary (old)
Etymology
The characters 史 (history), 吏 (government official), 使 (cause; use; instruct), and 事 (matter; work; affair) are all etymologically related and all derive from the same ancient character, depicting a hand (又) holding a container for writing utensils. 吏 and 史 were originally written the same, but later an extra mark was added to distinguish them.
About
The character 吏, meaning a government official or clerk, etymologically originates from the character 史, which signified a historian or recorder, with its structure modified by the addition of a horizontal stroke atop 史 to denote a distinct layer of administrative authority. This structural change reflected a semantic shift from the act of documenting to the execution of bureaucratic duties within early state systems. Over time, the term's application evolved from specifically indicating lower-level functionaries in ancient dynastic administrations to a more general reference for civil service personnel, though it often retained associations with practical, subordinate administrative roles. The graphic form of 吏 has remained consistent throughout its history, without undergoing simplification, underscoring its stable conceptual place in the language of governance.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
官吏管理百姓。
这个小吏很勤奋。
吏部负责官员选拔。
酷吏常常欺压平民。
古代吏治严格而复杂。
那位吏员正在整理档案。
吏治腐败导致王朝衰落。
通过考核才能成为合格的官吏。