Definitions
surname Xu
all; assist; to store
Etymology
A body ⺼ wrapped in cloth 疋
About
The character 胥 is a phono-semantic compound. Its semantic radical 肉 (flesh), which appears as ⺼ in modern form, provides the meaning category, while the component 疋 supplies the phonetic element. Historically, it primarily denoted a minor government official or clerk in imperial China, often handling local administrative duties or serving magistrates. In modern usage, its standalone sense as an occupational title has become rare, surviving mainly in historical texts and classical contexts, though it remains a relatively common Chinese surname.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
胥先生来自北京。
我的同事姓胥。
古代胥吏地位不高。
这位胥吏负责记录文书。
胥役在衙门里工作。
研究历史需要了解胥吏制度。
胥姓在中国并不常见。
尽管胥吏权力有限，但他们处理日常政务。