Chinese Word
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verb HSK 6
Traditional 覲見
jìn jiàn
to have an audience with (a monarch or superior) · to be received by (royalty) · to pay respects to a sovereign

Meaning

觐见 is a formal, literary verb meaning to be granted an audience with a person of extremely high status, traditionally an emperor, king, or sovereign. It implies a ceremonial meeting where the visitor pays respects to someone of superior rank. This word is mainly used in historical, classical, or ceremonial contexts.

Usage

This is a very formal, literary term rarely used in everyday conversation. It appears primarily in historical texts, classical literature, period dramas, and formal diplomatic contexts. Modern speakers might use it metaphorically or humorously to describe meeting someone very important. The structure often follows '觐见 + [高位人物]' (to have an audience with [high-ranking person]).

Examples

  1. 01
    大臣们排队等候觐见皇帝。
    Dà chén men pái duì děng hòu jìn jiàn huáng dì.
    The ministers lined up waiting to have an audience with the emperor.
  2. 02
    使节获准觐见国王，呈递了国书。
    Shǐ jié huò zhǔn jìn jiàn guó wáng, chéng dì le guó shū.
    The envoy was granted an audience with the king and presented his credentials.

Characters

Measure words

  • 次cì觐见一次皇帝

Common collocations

  • 觐见皇帝
    jìn jiàn huáng dì
    to have an audience with the emperor
  • 觐见圣上
    jìn jiàn shèng shàng
    to be received by His Majesty
  • 请求觐见
    qǐng qiú jìn jiàn
    to request an audience

Origin

觐 originally depicted the act of presenting oneself before a ruler, combining elements suggesting 'to see' and formal ritual. When combined with 见 (to see/meet), it specifically denotes the formal, ceremonial nature of meeting royalty or superiors in ancient hierarchical contexts.

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