Definition
请安 is a separable verb (离合词) referring to a traditional Chinese gesture of respect — typically performed by men by drooping the right arm and bending the left knee, or by women with a slight bend of the knees. In modern usage it broadly means 'to pay respects' to elders or superiors, often in a formal or historical context. The verb can split: 请 + measure word/duration + 安 (e.g., 请了一个安 'made one bow of respect').
v.o.
to pay respects (with a traditional gesture of obeisance or greeting)
Examples
- 请安。Tā měitiān zǎochen dōu yào qù gěi zǔmǔ qǐng ān.He goes to pay respects to his grandmother every morning.
- ，。Zài gǔdài, wǎnbèi jiàn dào zhǎngbèi yào qǐng yí gè ān.In ancient times, juniors had to perform a bow of respect when meeting elders.
- ，。Tā xué zhe gǔrén de yàngzi, gěi kèrén qǐng le gè ān.She imitated the ancients and made a bow of respect to the guest.
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