贵族

贵族 (guì zú) refers to the aristocracy or noble class, typically a social group with hereditary privileges, wealth, and high status in traditional societies.

The character 贵 (guì) means 'valuable' or 'noble,' while 族 (zú) means 'clan' or 'family.' Together, they denote a family or group of people who hold noble status, often associated with historical or cultural elite classes.

In modern usage, 贵族 may refer to the old aristocratic class in China or other cultures. It is often used in historical contexts or in discussions about social hierarchies. Understanding this term can help learners grasp how social status was historically structured in China and similar societies.