Definition
This chengyu originally referred to the three major religious and philosophical traditions (Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism) plus the nine ancient schools of thought. In modern usage it has a strongly derogatory sense, describing people from all trades or backgrounds, often with the implication that they are disreputable, unrefined, or of low social standing. You'll almost always hear it used to criticize a mixed or low-class crowd.
f.e.
the Three Doctrines (Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism) and the Nine Schools (ancient Chinese philosophical schools)(derogatory) people from all walks of life (especially disreputable or low-status people)
Examples
- 三教九流、、。Gǔdài sān jiào jiǔ liú zhǐ de shì Rújiào, Dàojiào, Fójiào hé zhūzǐ bǎijiā.In ancient times, the Three Doctrines and Nine Schools referred to Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, and the Hundred Schools of Thought.
- ，三教九流，。Nà ge dìfang yúlónghùnzá, sān jiào jiǔ liú shénme yàng de rén dōu yǒu, nǐ zuìhǎo bié qù.That place is a mixed bag—all kinds of unsavory characters are there; you'd better not go.
- 三教九流，。Tā zhěngtiān gēn nàxiē sān jiào jiǔ liú hùn zài yìqǐ, nánguài xuéhuài le.He hangs out with that riffraff all day, no wonder he's gone bad.
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