Definition
太保 has two distinct meanings: historically, it was a high-ranking official title — the Grand Guardian of the emperor, one of the Three Dukes (三公) in ancient China. In modern slang, it refers to a young delinquent or hooligan, often used disapprovingly for teenagers who cause trouble. The two senses are unrelated in both time and register, so context is key to understanding which one is intended.
n.
(historical title) Grand Guardiana senior advisor to the emperor in ancient China(colloquial) young delinquenthooligan (often referring to unruly youth)
Examples
- 太保。Zhè wèi tài bǎo zài cháotíng zhōng de dìwèi jí gāo.This Grand Guardian held an extremely high position in the imperial court.
- 太保。Nà ge tài bǎo yòu zài jiē shàng dǎjià nào shì le.That young delinquent is out on the street fighting and causing trouble again.
- 太保。Jiāzhǎng men duì zhèxiē tài bǎo de xíngwéi fēicháng dānyōu.Parents are very worried about the behavior of these young hooligans.
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