In the long history of ancient China, the word "adult" has a rich connotation and evolution. Its meaning is far from being fully covered by "adult" in modern Chinese. Let's travel through the tunnel of time and space to explore the multiple meanings of "adult" in ancient China.
Adults & Young Children: Growing up.
In ancient Chinese, the most direct meaning of "adult" refers to an adult, corresponding to a young child. This usage is still preserved in modern Chinese today. However, the ancient term "adult" had a deeper meaning than just an age-related title.
Respect: Respect and respect.
In ancient China, people called people with virtue and status "adults". It is recorded in the Analects that "a gentleman has three fears: fear of the mandate of heaven, fear of the great, and fear of the words of the sage", in which the "adult" refers to a person with noble virtues. In the Book of Changes, "seeing the dragon in the field, it is beneficial to see the adult", and the "adult" here refers to a person who is talented and prestigious.
Princes and nobles and the people around them: a status symbol.
In ancient China, the word "adult" was also often used to refer to princes and nobles, which was a sign of respect and admiration for their status. Over time, the term "lord" gradually became popular, not only for princes and nobles, but also for their subordinates and those around them. These people did not hold official positions, but because of their positions of position or close ties to the powerful, they were flatteringly called "adults".
* With the people: universal honorific titles.
During the Qing Dynasty, the term "adult" gradually became popular. Xu Ke described this situation in "Wanli Ye Ed.": "The title of the adult began at the beginning of Yongzheng, but only the governor had it, and at the end of Kangxi, it was applied to the minister. During this period, "adult" became a common honorific title, and all of them were called "adult" if they were above the fourth rank of Beijing officials and above the foreign officials. Even in the last years of Guangxu, the editors, inspectors, and Shu Jishi, Langzhong, Yuanwailang, the director, and the cabinet secretary began to call "adults".
However, the term "adult" is not a casual appellation. Although at the end of the Qing Dynasty, the title of "adult" was already very common, it was still not used to address the magistrate and other seven-rank officials. Between peers, they usually don't lower their status and call each other "adults". For the courtiers, the emperor and the high-ranking concubines in the palace would not call them "adults". Emperors usually referred to their courtiers as "certain dukes" as a sign of respect. As for the general ministers, the emperor is willing to call a "certain duke", even if it is the best treatment.
Summary: Through the interpretation of "adult" in ancient China, we can see the rich connotation and evolution of this word. It can refer to an adult, an elder or a person of high moral respect, a prince or a nobleman, or a person in a position of high office. Over time, the title of "adult" gradually became popular and became a universal honorific title. However, the use of the term "adult" is still limited by status, and people often do not use the term to refer to others.