大臣

• Pinyin: dà chén
• Hanzi breakdown: 大 = big, great; 臣 = official (pictograph of a person kneeling)

Meaning

Minister; high official; court official. A noun referring to senior government officials, especially in historical imperial contexts.

Primarily used for officials in imperial China or when discussing historical contexts. In modern usage, often appears in historical dramas, novels, and when discussing politics of monarchies or empires.

Examples

1. 皇帝召集大臣们商议如何应对边境的紧急军情。 The emperor summoned his ministers to discuss how to respond to the urgent military situation at the border.
2. 这位大臣直言进谏，不怕得罪皇上。 This minister spoke frankly with his advice, unafraid of offending the emperor.
3. 历史剧里总有那么几个奸臣和忠臣大臣的对比。 Historical dramas always have those contrasts between treacherous and loyal ministers.

Usage Guide

Context: historical, political

Tone: formal

Do Say

• 大臣们纷纷上奏折表达意见。(The ministers submitted memorials one after another to express their opinions.)
• 这个故事讲的是一位忠心的大臣。(This story is about a loyal minister.)

Don't Say

• 公司的大臣 (For modern business executives, use 高管 or 经理 — 大臣 sounds archaic in corporate contexts)

Origin & History

Compound of 大 (great, senior) + 臣 (official, minister). Together meaning a senior official serving the ruler.

Cultural Context

Era: Historical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Elite