Definition
乌纱帽 literally refers to the black gauze cap worn by officials in imperial China, but today it's almost always used as a metaphor for an official government post or position. You'll hear it in phrases like 丢掉乌纱帽 ('lose one's official post') or 保住乌纱帽 ('keep one's position'). It carries a slightly informal, sometimes cynical tone about bureaucratic power.
n.
(figurative) official postgovernment position(historical) black gauze cap worn by officials
Examples
- 乌纱帽，。Tā wèile bǎozhù wū shā mào, shénme dōu yuànyì zuò.He would do anything to keep his official post.
- 乌纱帽。Zhè cì fǔbài àn ràng hǎo jǐ ge guānyuán diū le wū shā mào.This corruption case caused several officials to lose their positions.
- 乌纱帽。Gǔdài guānyuán shàngcháo shí dōu yào dài wū shā mào.In ancient times, officials had to wear black gauze caps when attending court.
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