About
The character "宦" is etymologically derived from the combination of "宀", symbolizing a roof or enclosed space, and "臣", representing a minister or subordinate, which together convey the idea of a servant operating within a domestic or palatial setting. Its original meaning encompassed court officials or attendants serving in imperial households, but through historical usage, the term gradually became more specifically associated with eunuchs, who were castrated servants occupying administrative and personal roles within the palace. This semantic narrowing reflects the evolving social structures of imperial China, where eunuchs gained significant influence, and while the character can still denote bureaucracy broadly, its primary historical resonance lies with the unique class of palace eunuchs.
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。