fēizi: 妃子 - Imperial Concubine, Consort

• Keywords: feizi, 妃子, Chinese concubine, imperial consort, ancient China harem, Chinese empress vs concubine, wife of emperor, what is a feizi, historical Chinese titles, Yang Guifei, palace drama.
• Summary: The Chinese term 妃子 (fēizi) refers to an imperial concubine or consort in ancient China. More than just a mistress, a `妃子` was an officially recognized wife of the emperor, holding a specific rank within the complex hierarchy of the imperial harem (后宫). This title is fundamental to understanding Chinese history, classical literature, and the popular genre of palace dramas, which explore the lives of these powerful and often tragic figures.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): fēizi
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: N/A
• Concise Definition: An imperial concubine or high-ranking consort of a Chinese emperor.
• In a Nutshell: A `妃子` was a woman who was legally married to the emperor of China but was not the Empress. Emperors had one Empress (皇后) but could have many `妃子`, who were organized into a strict ranking system. Their status brought immense privilege and power but also subjected them to intense political intrigue and competition within the palace walls.

• 妃 (fēi): The core character meaning “imperial concubine” or “consort”. It is composed of the radical 女 (nǚ), meaning “woman,” on the left. The right side, 己 (jǐ), likely acts as a phonetic component. The character signifies a woman specifically chosen as a spouse for a ruler.
• 子 (zǐ): A very common noun suffix in Chinese. While it can mean “son” or “child” on its own, here it simply serves to make `妃` a two-syllable noun, similar to its function in words like 筷子 (kuàizi, chopsticks) or 椅子 (yǐzi, chair). In this context, it has no meaning of its own.

Together, 妃子 (fēizi) literally translates to a “consort-person,” a standard and clear term for an emperor's secondary wife.

The concept of the `妃子` is deeply embedded in the structure of imperial China. It reflects the political and social norms of a patriarchal, dynastic system where the continuation of the imperial bloodline was paramount. The imperial harem (后宫, hòugōng) was not just the emperor's residence but a complex political institution. The women within it were ranked in a precise hierarchy:

1. **皇后 (huánghòu):** The Empress, the sole primary wife and "mother of the nation."
2. **贵妃 (guìfēi):** Noble Consort, often the highest rank below the Empress.
3. **妃 (fēi):** Consort, the rank from which the term `妃子` is derived.
4. **嫔 (pín):** A lower-ranked consort.
5. ... and many other lower ranks.

`妃子` is often used as a general term to refer to any of the emperor's wives other than the Empress. Comparison to Western Concepts: It's a common mistake to equate a `妃子` with a “royal mistress.” A European king's mistress was typically an unofficial lover with no legal standing. Her children were illegitimate and had no claim to the throne. In contrast, a `妃子` was an official, legal wife of the emperor. Her children were legitimate princes and princesses, fully eligible for succession. The position of a `妃子` and her family's political power were directly tied to the emperor's favor and her ability to produce a male heir. This system often led to fierce “palace scheming” (宫斗, gōngdòu), a theme that fuels countless popular Chinese TV shows.

The term `妃子` is almost exclusively used in historical, literary, or theatrical contexts. You will not encounter it in everyday conversation unless the topic is related to history or entertainment.

• Historical Dramas and Films: This is the most common context for modern learners to hear `妃子`. Characters will be referred to by their specific titles, and `妃子` is used as a general descriptor.
• Literature: When reading classical Chinese novels like “Dream of the Red Chamber” or historical texts, the term is prevalent.
• Jokes and Metaphors: In very informal, joking situations, a man might refer to a group of female admirers or girlfriends as his “harem,” sometimes using the idiom “三宫六院七十二妃子” (sān gōng liù yuàn qīshí'èr fēizi) — “three palaces, six courts, and seventy-two concubines” — to humorously exaggerate his romantic success. This is often considered boastful or slightly chauvinistic.

• Example 1:
  • 皇上昨晚宠幸了那位新来的妃子。
  • Pinyin: Huángshang zuówǎn chǒngxìngle nà wèi xīn lái de fēizi.
  • English: The Emperor favored that new concubine last night.
  • Analysis: This sentence uses vocabulary typical of historical dramas. `宠幸 (chǒngxìng)` is a specific verb meaning for a ruler to “favor” a consort (by spending the night with her).
• Example 2:
  • 这位妃子的儿子后来成为了太子。
  • Pinyin: Zhè wèi fēizi de érzi hòulái chéngwéile tàizǐ.
  • English: This concubine's son later became the Crown Prince.
  • Analysis: This highlights the primary goal and source of power for a `妃子`: giving birth to a potential heir.
• Example 3:
  • 在后宫里，妃子们之间的竞争非常激烈。
  • Pinyin: Zài hòugōng lǐ, fēizimen zhī jiān de jìngzhēng fēicháng jīliè.
  • English: In the imperial harem, the competition among the concubines was extremely fierce.
  • Analysis: This sentence describes the famous concept of `宫斗 (gōngdòu)`, or palace scheming.
• Example 4:
  • 杨贵妃是中国历史上最著名的妃子之一。
  • Pinyin: Yáng Guìfēi shì Zhōngguó lìshǐ shàng zuì zhùmíng de fēizi zhīyī.
  • English: Yang Guifei is one of the most famous imperial consorts in Chinese history.
  • Analysis: This shows how the general term `妃子` can be used to describe someone with a more specific title (`贵妃`, Noble Consort).
• Example 5:
  • 成为皇帝的妃子，就意味着一生都要生活在宫墙之内。
  • Pinyin: Chéngwéi huángdì de fēizi, jiù yìwèizhe yīshēng dōu yào shēnghuó zài gōng qiáng zhī nèi.
  • English: To become the emperor's concubine meant living one's entire life within the palace walls.
  • Analysis: This sentence points to the “gilded cage” aspect of a concubine's life—full of luxury but lacking freedom.
• Example 6:
  • 她从一个普通的宫女，一步步成为了皇帝最宠爱的妃子。
  • Pinyin: Tā cóng yīgè pǔtōng de gōngnǚ, yībù bù chéngwéile huángdì zuì chǒng'ài de fēizi.
  • English: She went from being an ordinary palace maid to becoming the emperor's most beloved consort, step by step.
  • Analysis: A classic storyline in many historical dramas, illustrating the potential for social mobility within the harem.
• Example 7:
  • 就算只是一个低阶的妃子，她的家族也能获得很多好处。
  • Pinyin: Jiùsuàn zhǐshì yīgè dī jiē de fēizi, tā de jiāzú yě néng huòdé hěnduō hǎochù.
  • English: Even if she was just a low-ranking concubine, her family could still receive many benefits.
  • Analysis: This explains the political motivation for families to send their daughters into the palace.
• Example 8:
  • 电视剧里，皇后总是嫉妒年轻貌美的妃子。
  • Pinyin: Diànshìjù lǐ, huánghòu zǒngshì jídù niánqīng màoměi de fēizi.
  • English: In TV dramas, the Empress is always jealous of the young and beautiful concubines.
  • Analysis: A common trope in the `宫斗 (gōngdòu)` genre, showing the relationship between the Empress and the other consorts.
• Example 9:
  • 册封妃子是一个非常隆重的典礼。
  • Pinyin: Cèfēng fēizi shì yīgè fēicháng lóngzhòng de diǎnlǐ.
  • English: The ceremony to officially name an imperial concubine was a very grand occasion.
  • Analysis: This emphasizes the official, non-secretive nature of the position. `册封 (cèfēng)` means to confer a title upon someone by imperial edict.
• Example 10:
  • 他开玩笑说，他的猫都是他的“妃子”。
  • Pinyin: Tā kāiwánxiào shuō, tā de māo dōu shì tā de “fēizi”.
  • English: He joked that his cats are all his “concubines.”
  • Analysis: A perfect example of modern, humorous, and metaphorical usage. It implies he pampers and adores his many cats as an emperor would his consorts.

• `妃子` (fēizi) vs. `皇后` (huánghòu): This is the most crucial distinction. A `皇后` is the Empress, the one and only primary wife with supreme status. A `妃子` is any other official wife, of which there could be many. Never use `妃子` to refer to the Empress.
• `妃子` (fēizi) vs. `妾` (qiè): `妾 (qiè)` is a broader term for a concubine, not exclusive to the imperial court. A wealthy official or nobleman in ancient China could also have a `妾`. `妃子` is a much more specific and high-status term, used only for the emperor's consorts.
• False Friend: “Mistress”: Do not translate `妃子` as “mistress.” A `妃子` was a legal wife with social and political standing, and her children were legitimate. The Western concept of a mistress implies an illicit, unofficial affair. The correct translation is “imperial concubine” or “consort.”
• Incorrect Modern Usage: Avoid using `妃子` to refer to a modern-day girlfriend, wife, or even the wife of a president. The term is strictly historical. Using it in a modern, serious context would sound bizarre and anachronistic.

• 皇后 (huánghòu) - The Empress; the emperor's one and only primary wife and the highest-ranking woman in the palace.
• 后宫 (hòugōng) - The Imperial Harem; literally the “rear palace,” where the emperor's wives and female attendants resided.
• 贵妃 (guìfēi) - Noble Consort; a very high rank for a concubine, often second only to the Empress.
• 嫔 (pín) - A court lady or imperial concubine, typically of a rank lower than `妃`.
• 皇上 (huángshang) - The Emperor; a common way of addressing the emperor, especially in spoken language.
• 太子 (tàizǐ) - The Crown Prince; the heir to the throne. The ultimate prize in the rivalries between concubines.
• 宫斗 (gōngdòu) - “Palace fighting/scheming.” Refers to the intense rivalries and political intrigue within the harem, and is now a hugely popular genre of TV shows.
• 妾 (qiè) - The general term for a concubine, applicable to any man's secondary wife in ancient China, not just the emperor's.
• 佳丽 (jiālì) - A literary term for a beautiful woman. Often used in the phrase `后宫佳丽三千` (hòugōng jiālì sānqiān), meaning “three thousand beauties in the imperial harem.”