Chinese word

宫廷

Pronunciation

Pinyingōng tíng

Meaning

  • nounimperial court

Example

那本小说讲的是宫廷生活。nà běn xiǎo shuō jiǎng de shì gōng tíng shēng huó

That novel is about imperial court life.

Illustration for 宫廷 (imperial court)

More examples

古代的宫廷音乐常用于祭祀和宴会。gǔ dài de gōng tíng yīn yuè cháng yòng yú jì sì hé yàn huì

Ancient imperial court music was often used for rituals and banquets.

Core concept

The central royal setting where palace life, state business, and formal ceremonies meet.

Common phrases

  • 宫廷建筑gōng tíng jiàn zhù

    imperial court architecture

  • 宫廷官员gōng tíng guān yuán

    imperial court officials

  • 宫廷音乐gōng tíng yīn yuè

    imperial court music

Similar words

皇宫huáng gōng: The emperor's residence and palace grounds, including the place for official work.
宫殿gōng diàn: A large palace building for royal living and important ceremonies.
王宫wáng gōng: The palace serving as the home of a king or royal family.
朝廷cháo tíng: The governing court and officials working under a monarch.

Definition in Chinese

指皇帝或王室居住和办公的宫殿及其作为处理政务、举行仪式的机构与人员的整体。zhǐ huáng dì huò wáng shì jū zhù hé bàn gōng de gōng diàn jí qí zuò wéi chú lǐ zhèng wù jǔ xíng yí shì de jī gòu yǔ rén yuán de zhéng tǐ

Word origin

宫 (gōng, "palace") + 廷 (tíng, "court or audience space") names the palace and formal court where a ruler conducts affairs, then extends to the officials and institution there.

Usage tips

  • Modern Chinese normally uses government for a country's administration, while this word keeps a palace-centered historical flavor.

Other meanings

  • courtnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 宫廷制度gōng tíng zhì dùimperial court systemnoun
  • 宫廷画家gōng tíng huà jiācourt painternoun

Word lists with this word