In addition to self-pronouns, imperial court life had a highly formalized system of honorific titles used when addressing others. These forms of address reflected social rank, respect, and relationships, and were deeply tied to Confucian ideals of propriety.
1. 大人 (Dàrén) — "Your Excellency" or "Honorable One"
Historical Use:
Dàrén literally means "Great Person" or "Adult" and was used to address high-ranking officials, ministers, and judges. By the Ming and Qing dynasties, it became a general respectful title for anyone of high status, similar to "Your Excellency" in English. Officials like governors, magistrates, and imperial envoys were often called Dàrén by subordinates.
In Fiction:
"Dàrén" is ideal for courtroom drama or magistrate stories, adding realism. Writers often use it for dramatic flair when a humble villager kneels and pleads, "Qǐng Dàrén zhǔn" ("Please, Your Excellency, grant justice!").
Dàrén also can be translated as "Sir" or "My Lord"
2. 老爷 (Lǎoyé) — "Master" or "Lord"
Historical Use:
A respectful term used by servants and commoners to address high-status men, such as landlords, wealthy merchants, or magistrates. Lǎoyé reflects a mix of respect and subservience, often appearing in social or domestic contexts rather than strictly bureaucratic ones.
In Fiction:
Perfect for dramas set in wealthy households or local courts, adding authenticity to dialogue. Female versions, such as Lǎonǎi (老奶) for elderly women, can enrich family and servant dynamics.
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The 奶 (nǎi) character in 老奶 (Lǎonǎi) and 奶奶 (Nǎinai) ("grandma") has very old roots in Chinese.
Origin of 奶 (nǎi)
The earliest meaning of 奶 was related to nursing, milk, and motherhood. It appears in ancient Chinese texts to describe a wet nurse or a woman who breastfeeds, making it closely tied to maternal care.
In Oracle Bone Script (甲骨文) and Bronze Inscriptions (金文), the character was written with elements symbolizing woman and milk, emphasizing its nurturing role.
By the Han Dynasty, 奶 was commonly used to refer to a wet nurse or nanny (乳母), someone who cared for noble or royal children, and gradually expanded to mean "granny" or "old lady" as a respectful or affectionate title for elderly women.
奶 in Family Terms
Over time, 奶 became part of affectionate kinship terms:
奶奶 (Nǎinai): Literally "granny," used for paternal grandmother in modern Mandarin.
老奶 (Lǎonǎi): Literally "old granny," a respectful way to address an elderly woman, used in both noble households and rural communities.
奶妈 (Nǎimā): "Nanny," or wet nurse, showing how the meaning of 奶 remained tied to maternal care.
So, the evolution of 奶 went from a word for breastfeeding and female caregivers → a title for nannies and respected older women → the common term for grandmother.
Cultural Significance
In imperial times, wet nurses (奶妈) often held high status in noble families, as they raised royal heirs. This association gave 奶 a sense of intimacy and respect. Over time, even unrelated elders were affectionately called 奶奶 or 老奶, emphasizing warmth and familial closeness.
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3. 相爷 (Xiàngyé) — "Lord Chancellor"
Historical Use:
A title used for the Grand Chancellor (丞相, Chéngxiàng), the highest-ranking official under the emperor in many dynasties. Xiàngyé carried immense prestige, as the chancellor often acted as the emperor's right hand.
In Fiction:
Using Xiàngyé adds gravitas to political plots, especially when depicting a scheming minister or a wise elder statesman.
4. 将军 (Jiàngjūn) — "General"
Historical Use:
An honorific for military commanders, widely used across dynasties. While "General" is a literal translation, Jiàngjūn implied respect and battlefield authority.
In Fiction:
A staple for martial and fantasy settings, Jiàngjūn gives weight to warrior characters. Writers often use variations like Dà Jiàngjūn (大将军) for legendary figures.
5. 王爷 / 王妃 (Wángyé / Wángfēi) — "Prince" / "Princess Consort"
Historical Use:
Wángyé addressed imperial princes or regional kings, while Wángfēi was the formal title for a prince's wife. These terms reinforced rank within the imperial clan.
In Fiction:
Perfect for palace intrigue and romance stories, these titles instantly convey nobility.
6. 公爷 / 公夫人 (Gōngyé / Gōng Fūrén) — "Duke" / "Duchess"
Historical Use:
Gōngyé was used to address dukes and high nobility, while Gōng Fūrén was their wives' formal title.
7. 老夫子 (Lǎofūzǐ) — "Respected Teacher"
Historical Use:
A highly respectful term for scholars and Confucian teachers, famously used for Confucius (孔夫子, Kǒng Fūzǐ) himself.
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Other Useful Address Terms:
阁下 (Géxià): "Your Excellency," a literary form for equals.
大侠 (Dàxiá): "Great Hero," used in wuxia novels for famous martial artists.
夫人 (Fūrén): "Madam" or "Lady," for noblewomen or respected wives.
小姐 (Xiǎojiě): "Young Lady," often for daughters of wealthy families.
相公 (Xiànggōng): "Husband" or "Master," used by wives to address their husbands.
In Fictional Novels
Fiction often blends these titles to create unique political and social atmospheres. A cunning character may insist on being called Géxià rather than Dàrén, while ambitious nobles might self-style as Wángyé to claim legitimacy. Wuxia novels frequently revive Dàxiá to celebrate martial prowess, adding heroic flavor to their worlds.