Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
大臣dàchén(da4chen2)
大臣 refers to a high-ranking official or minister in a monarchy or government, often responsible for significant administrative duties. This term is frequently used in historical contexts or discussions about governance in traditional Chinese states, where such officials played crucial roles in advising the emperor or ruling authority.
Frequency#10231DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In ancient China, 大臣 were often seen as key figures in the imperial court, with their loyalty and advice significantly influencing the emperor's decisions. This reflects the historical importance of counsel and governance in Chinese political culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant (大, dà) minister (臣, chén) sitting in a grand palace, making important decisions. The character 大 represents something large or important, while 臣 refers to an official or subordinate. Visualize this giant minister as a wise advisor to the king, emphasizing the importance of their role.
Meanings of 大臣
dàchén(da4chen2)
1chancellor (of a monarchy)
2cabinet minister
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 大臣
大臣Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#10231Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 大臣
Podcast: 大臣
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 大臣
Quick Contrast
宰相 (zǎixiàng) - use 大臣 for general high-ranking officials, while 宰相 specifically refers to the prime minister or chief minister.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a giant (大, dà) minister (臣, chén) sitting in a grand palace, making important decisions. The character 大 represents something large or important, while 臣 refers to an official or subordinate. Visualize this giant minister as a wise advisor to the king, emphasizing the importance of their role.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 大臣 with similar terms like 官员 (guān yuán, official) or 部长 (bù zhǎng, department head), which refer to different levels of authority. Remember that 大臣 is more formal and used specifically for high-ranking positions in historical or traditional contexts. It is typically used in written language or formal discussions.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 6, students should focus on recognizing the historical context of terms like 大臣 and how they relate to discussions about governance and administration in China. Connecting this word with others related to politics and history will enhance understanding and vocabulary retention.
Cultural Note
In ancient China, 大臣 were often seen as key figures in the imperial court, with their loyalty and advice significantly influencing the emperor's decisions. This reflects the historical importance of counsel and governance in Chinese political culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 大臣 with lower-ranking officials, using it incorrectly in casual contexts. For example, saying '我想成为一个大臣' (I want to become a minister) in a modern sense might be incorrect; instead, specify '官员' (official) for clarity.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 大臣
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 大臣 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 大臣 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 大臣
大臣 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
内务____正考虑制定一项针对跟踪骚扰的新法律。
The Home Secretary is considering a new law against stalking.
The chancellor bluntly warned the Cabinet to axe public spending or face higher taxes.
Cultural Notes for 大臣
🏮Cultural insight
In ancient China, 大臣 were often seen as key figures in the imperial court, with their loyalty and advice significantly influencing the emperor's decisions. This reflects the historical importance of counsel and governance in Chinese political culture.
Frequently Asked Questions about 大臣
While 大臣 is primarily historical, it can still be used in discussions about political systems or in literature that references traditional governance.
You could say, '在古代，中国的大臣对国家的决策起着重要作用。' (In ancient times, the chancellors in China played a crucial role in national decision-making.)
Yes, synonyms include 官员 (guān yuán, official) and 大官 (dà guān, high official), but these may have different connotations and levels of authority.
