贵族

• Pinyin: guì zú
• Hanzi breakdown: 贵 = 中 + 贝 (precious); 族 = 方 (flag) + 矢 (arrow) — a clan marching under a banner

Meaning

Nobility; aristocracy; a member of the hereditary upper class. Also used metaphorically for people with refined tastes or privileged lifestyles.

Historically, refers to those born into noble families with hereditary titles and privileges. In modern usage, it can be used metaphorically or sarcastically to describe people who live extravagantly or have exclusive tastes (贵族学校, 贵族消费). Also common in historical fiction and fantasy genres.

Examples

1. 封建社会中，贵族掌控着大量土地和政治权力。 In feudal society, the nobility controlled vast amounts of land and political power.
2. 这所贵族学校只招收来自富裕家庭的学生，学费极为高昂。 This elite private school only admits students from wealthy families, and the tuition is extremely expensive.
3. 他出身寒微，却靠才学逐渐进入了那个时代的文化贵族圈子。 He came from a humble background, but through talent and learning he gradually entered that era's circle of cultural elites.

Usage Guide

Context: history, social class, literature, modern usage

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 欧洲中世纪的贵族制度对该大陆的政治格局产生了深远影响。(The feudal aristocracy of medieval Europe had a profound impact on the continent's political landscape.)
• 这个品牌以贵族气质著称，长期服务于社会精英阶层消费群体。(This brand is renowned for its aristocratic character and has long served the consumption needs of the social elite.)

Don't Say

• 我今天买了贵族苹果 — 贵族 cannot directly modify common objects like food; use 高档苹果 or 精品苹果 for premium produce

Origin & History

贵 (precious/noble) + 族 (clan/group). Together: the noble clan — a hereditary class of elevated social standing, distinguished from common people by birth and privilege.

Cultural Context

Era: Historical to present

Generation: All ages

Social background: Upper class historically; broadly understood