Meaning & Definition of word "Mandarin"
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Mandarin
/ˈmændərɪn/
noun:
- 1. A high-ranking official in the Chinese Empire.
- Example: The mandarin conducted the affairs of the state with great authority.
- 2. The standard language of China, based on the Beijing dialect.
- Example: She is learning Mandarin to enhance her communication skills in China.
- 3. A variety of tangerine originating in China.
- Example: The mandarin is my favorite fruit because of its sweetness and ease of peeling.
adjective:
- 1. Relating to or characteristic of a mandarin or mandarins.
- Example: The mandarin style of writing has influenced many Chinese poets.
Etymology
Late 16th century from Portuguese mandarim, from Malay menteri 'minister', from Sanskrit mantrin 'counselor'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
mandarin orange:
A variety of orange that is small, sweet, and easy to peel.
mandarin language:
The standard language in China based on the Beijing dialect.
Related Words
empire:
A group of nations or peoples ruled by a single sovereign authority.
bureaucracy:
A system of government in which most of the important decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives.
citrus:
A genus of flowering trees and shrubs in the rue family.
Slang Meanings of mandarin
Meaning: To be very organized or precise.
Example Sentence: She is so mandarin when it comes to her schedule.
Meaning: Referring to someone who is overly formal or bureaucratic.
Example Sentence: Don't be such a mandarin; just relax and enjoy the party.