Definition
读书人 literally means 'book-reading person' and refers to educated people in traditional Chinese society — scholars, literati, or intellectuals who pursued classical learning. The term carries cultural weight, evoking the Confucian ideal of the scholar-official (士大夫) who values learning over wealth. In modern usage, it can mean 'educated person' or 'intellectual' with a slightly old-fashioned or respectful tone.
n.
educated personscholarintellectual (often with traditional or Confucian connotations)
Examples
- ，读书人。Zài gǔdài, dú shū rén de shèhuì dìwèi hěn gāo.In ancient times, scholars had a very high social status.
- 读书人，。Tā shì yí wèi zhēnzhèng de dú shū rén, yìshēng dōu zài yánjiū lìshǐ.He is a true scholar who spent his whole life studying history.
- ，读书人。Nàge shídài, dú shū rén shòu rén zūnjìng.In that era, educated people were respected by others.
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