Definition
圣旨 refers to the formal written decree issued by the emperor of China, particularly during the Ming and Qing dynasties. These documents were often read aloud in court or delivered to officials and were considered the highest form of imperial command. The typical opening phrase 奉天承运皇帝诏曰 ('The Emperor, by the Mandate of Heaven, decrees') is still widely recognized in Chinese historical dramas and literature.
n.
imperial edictimperial decree (from the emperor)
Examples
- 圣旨。Zhè dào shèng zhǐ yāoqiú suǒyǒu guānyuán lìjí zhíxíng.This imperial edict requires all officials to execute it immediately.
- 圣旨。Tàijiàn zài cháotáng shàng xuāndú le huángdì de shèng zhǐ.The eunuch read the emperor's imperial edict in the court.
- 圣旨。Gǔzhuāngjù lǐ jīngcháng néng kàndào huángdì xiàdá shèng zhǐ de chǎngjǐng.In period dramas, you often see scenes of the emperor issuing an imperial edict.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.