1. 臣 (Chén) — The Loyal Servant
Historical Use:
Officials addressing the emperor referred to themselves humbly as 臣 (Chén), meaning "your servant", "your subject" or "your minister." This simple character conveyed loyalty and submission, symbolizing the Confucian ideal of a ruler-servant relationship.
In Fiction:
Writers often emphasize this humility, showing ministers kneeling in the throne room while calling themselves "Chén." It can also be used by female officials or spies for drama and respect.
2. 臣妾 (Chénqiè) — Used by Imperial Consorts and Concubines
Meaning: "Your humble servant and concubine."
Who Used It: Mainly concubines and lower-ranked consorts when addressing the Emperor. On rare occasions, even an Empress might use it before the Emperor as an act of humility, but generally she preferred 本宫 (běngōng).
Usage: This pronoun combined 臣 (subject/minister) with 妾 (concubine/low-ranking wife), stressing both political and personal subordination. It was formal, deferential, and carried the weight of being both a woman and a subject of the Emperor.
Example: "臣妾不敢." – "This concubine does not dare."
Historical Use:
Most commonly used by women of the harem below the rank of Noble Consort (贵妃, guìfēi), such as ordinary concubines (嫔, pín; 妃子, fēizi). While it could be used by higher consorts or even the Empress in courtly speech to the Emperor, in practice it became the "default" humble pronoun of concubines. It preserved etiquette and hierarchy by showing their insignificance compared to the Emperor's majesty.
In Fiction:
This term often conveys tenderness or vulnerability, especially in romance or tragedy. Ambitious concubines may use it with a double-edged sweetness, while heroines might speak it with sincerity.
3. 妾身 (Qièshēn) — Used by Lower-Ranking Concubines
Meaning: Literally, "this concubine's body."
Who Used It: Lower-ranking concubines or women of lesser standing addressing the Emperor or a high-status man.
Usage: Even more self-effacing than 臣妾, it softened the speaker's tone into something intimate and tender. It placed emphasis not only on humility but also on femininity and vulnerability.
Example: "妾身愚钝,不敢多言." – "This lowly concubine is foolish and dares not speak much."
Historical Use:
While 臣妾 had a formal, political flavor, 妾身 leaned toward the personal and intimate, often used in romantic or private contexts. It was less common in official harem discourse and more in softer exchanges, highlighting the concubine's lowly status. Women who called themselves 妾身 were usually below those who dared to use 臣妾, reinforcing a sharper sense of hierarchy.
4. 奴才 (Núcái) — The Slave's Address
Historical Use:
Eunuchs and palace servants often referred to themselves as 奴才 (Núcái), meaning "your slave." This self-pronoun reinforced their status as servants bound to the palace, not free citizens.
In Fiction:
This is frequently used in dramas for atmosphere. Authors can also use it for spies or assassins posing as servants, as its tone instantly establishes submission.
5. 臣下 (Chénxià) — Collective Humility
Historical Use:
A formal way for multiple officials to refer to themselves as "we, your humble servants." It was commonly used in group memorials to the emperor.
6. 老臣 (Lǎochén) — The Loyal Old Minister
Historical Use:
Senior ministers or veteran generals often called themselves 老臣 (Lǎochén), "your old servant," emphasizing loyalty and years of service.
7. 小女 / 小臣 (Xiǎonǚ / Xiǎochén) — Humble Referrals for the Young
Historical Use:
Young women might refer to themselves as 小女 (Xiǎonǚ), "this little woman," while junior male officials used 小臣 (Xiǎochén), "this humble official." Both indicated youth, modesty, and low status.
8. 老夫 / 老身 (Lǎofū / Lǎoshēn) — The Elder's Pronoun
Historical Use:
Lǎofū ("this old man") and Lǎoshēn ("this old woman") were common pronouns for respected elders, even outside the court. They carried humility and dignity, often used by martial artists or scholars in literature.
9. 微臣 (Wēichén) — "Your Insignificant Servant"
Historical Use:
Officials might call themselves Wēichén, literally "your unworthy servant," as an extra layer of politeness or self-deprecation.