Definition
问安 is a formal verb-object compound (离合词) meaning 'to pay one's respects' or 'to wish good health', typically used when greeting elders or superiors. The verb 问 and the object 安 can be separated by measure words or other elements, e.g., 问了一个安 ('paid a visit to pay respects'). It is more traditional and less common in daily conversation than 问候 or 请安.
v.o.
to pay one's respects (to elders)to wish someone good health
Examples
- 问安。Tā měitiān zǎochen dōu xiàng fùmǔ wèn ān.He pays his respects to his parents every morning.
- 问安。Kèrén xiàng zhǔrén wèn ān hòu rùzuò.The guests paid their respects to the host and then took their seats.
- 。Tā měinián Chūnjié dōu qù gěi zhǎngbèi wèn yí gè ān.He goes to pay his respects to the elders every Spring Festival.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.