Definition
堂上 is an old-fashioned, respectful term used in historical contexts. Its primary meaning is 'parents' — literally 'those seated in the main hall' (the place of honor in a traditional Chinese home). In traditional literature and drama, it was also used as a formal address for magistrates or judges. You won't hear this in everyday modern conversation; it belongs to classical or period settings. The most common modern place to encounter it is in the set phrase 高堂 ('parents').
n.
(archaic/formal) parents(archaic/formal) Your Honormagistratejudge
Examples
- ，堂上，。Gǔ shíhou, zǐnǚ yào xiàoshùn táng shǎng, tīngcóng fùmǔ de jiàohuì.In ancient times, children had to be filial to their parents and obey their parents' teachings.
- ，堂上。Zài nà chū xì lǐ, táng shǎng pàn le zuìrén èrshí nián túxíng.In that play, His Honor the magistrate sentenced the criminal to twenty years in prison.
- '堂上'，。Tā de shūxìn shàng xiě zhe 'Zhì táng shǎng dàrén', yǔqì shífēn gōngjìng.His letter was addressed 'To His Honor the Magistrate' in a very respectful tone.
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