奴婢
How to Say
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How to Write
Meaning: servants
How to Understand
奴婢
奴婢 (nú bì) refers to servants or attendants, typically used in historical or literary contexts. It is more formal and archaic than modern terms like 'servant' or 'helper,' often found in classical Chinese texts.
The character 奴 (nú) means 'slave' or 'servant,' while 婢 (bì) originally referred to a female servant. Together, they form a compound noun that historically denoted both male and female servants, emphasizing their subordinate status.
Today, 奴婢 is rarely used in everyday speech but appears in historical narratives, literature, and formal writing. It can also be found in idioms or poetic expressions, reflecting traditional social hierarchies in Chinese culture.
Example Sentences
她自幼便被卖为奴婢，饱受欺凌。
She was sold into slavery as a child and suffered much abuse.
古代贵族家中常有数十名奴婢伺候。
In ancient noble households, there were often dozens of servants attending to the family.