Meaning
太傅 was one of the highest-ranking official titles in ancient Chinese imperial courts, particularly during the Zhou dynasty and later dynasties. This official was primarily responsible for educating and mentoring the crown prince or heir apparent. The position was considered one of the Three Excellencies or Three Dukes (三公) in various dynasties.
Usage
This term is historical and literary, rarely used in modern daily conversation except in historical dramas, classical literature, or when discussing ancient Chinese government structures. In contemporary usage, it appears mainly in historical fiction, academic texts about Chinese history, or period dramas set in imperial China.
Examples
- 01他被皇帝任命为太傅，负责教导太子。, .He was appointed by the emperor as Grand Tutor, responsible for educating the crown prince.
- 02太傅在古代是非常尊贵的官职。.Grand Tutor was a very prestigious official position in ancient times.
Characters
Measure words
- 位一位太傅
Common collocations
- 太傅府residence/office of the Grand Tutor
- 拜为太傅to be appointed as Grand Tutor
Origin
The term combines 太 (supreme/grand) with 傅 (tutor/teacher). The position dates back to the Zhou dynasty (1046-256 BCE) as one of the San Gong (Three Excellencies) responsible for guiding the ruler or heir apparent in moral and political matters.