举人
How to Understand
举人 (jǔ rén) refers to a person who has passed the provincial examination in China's imperial examination system. It is a title given to those who successfully completed the second level of the civil service exams during the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties.
The character 举 (jǔ) originally meant 'to lift' or 'to propose,' and later came to mean 'to pass an examination.' The character 人 (rén) means 'person.' Together, 举人 literally means 'a person who has been lifted or promoted through examination.'
Historically, becoming a 举人 was a significant achievement, as it qualified individuals for higher-level exams and government positions. Today, the term is mainly used in historical contexts or in reference to traditional Chinese culture. Understanding 举人 helps learners grasp the importance of education and meritocracy in Chinese history.