HSK · Level 85
45 words
Chinese word
绅士
Pronunciation
Pinyinshēn shì
Meaning
- noungentleman
Example
他是一个绅士。tā shì yí gè shēn shì
He is a gentleman.
More examples
排队时，他总是以绅士的礼貌对待别人。pái duì shí tā zǒng shì yǐ shēn shì de lǐ mào duì dài bié rén
While waiting in line, he always treats others with gentlemanly courtesy.
Core concept
A man whose polished manners show respect, calmness, and consideration for others in social situations.
Common phrases
绅士风度shēn shì fēng dù
gentlemanly bearing
绅士礼貌shēn shì lǐ mào
gentlemanly courtesy
绅士形象shēn shì xíng xiàng
gentlemanly image
Definition in Chinese
指在社交场合言行得体、对他人礼貌并表现风度的男性。zhǐ zài shè jiāo chǎng hé yán xíng dé tǐ duì tā rén lǐ mào bìng biǎo xiàn fēng dù de nán xìng
Word origin
The modern sense of 绅士 (shēnshì, "gentleman") entered Chinese through Japanese usage, while 绅 (shēn, "sash") + 士 (shì, "man of status") suggests a well-dressed man of standing.
Usage tips
- For English speakers, gentleman may sound formal or tied to a title, while the Chinese term also works as a conversational compliment about a man's conduct.
Other meanings
- gentlemanlyadjective
Opposites
- 恶棍è gùnscoundrelnoun