Meaning
宰相 refers to the highest-ranking minister in ancient Chinese imperial governments, equivalent to a prime minister or chancellor. This official served as the chief administrator under the emperor, managing state affairs and leading the civil bureaucracy. The term is primarily used in historical contexts to describe officials from various Chinese dynasties.
Usage
This is a historical term rarely used in modern contexts except when discussing Chinese history, literature, or classical texts. In contemporary Chinese, modern government officials are called by different titles. The term appears frequently in historical dramas, novels, and when discussing imperial China.
Examples
- 01他在唐朝时期担任宰相，辅佐皇帝治理国家。, .He served as prime minister during the Tang Dynasty, assisting the emperor in governing the country.
- 02古代的宰相权力很大，负责管理朝廷的各项事务。, .Prime ministers in ancient times had great power and were responsible for managing all affairs of the imperial court.
Characters
Measure words
- 位一位宰相
- 个一个宰相
Common collocations
- 当宰相to serve as prime minister
- 宰相肚里能撑船a prime minister's belly can hold a boat (idiom: magnanimous)
Origin
宰 originally meant 'to slaughter' but evolved to mean 'to govern' or 'master,' while 相 means 'to assist' or 'minister.' Together they formed the title for the emperor's chief assistant in governance, dating back to ancient Chinese dynasties.