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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'queen' with 皇后 (huánghòu)

    Existence & Possession

    Explanation

    皇后 (huánghòu) means 'queen' or 'empress' and specifically refers to the wife of an emperor. It is used both in historical contexts when discussing Chinese imperial history and metaphorically, such as calling a prestigious tea the 'queen' of its category.

    Examples

    • 这位皇后在历史上非常有影响力。

      zhè wèi huánghòu zài lìshǐ shàng fēicháng yǒu yǐngxiǎnglì.

      This empress was very influential in history.

    • 人们常常把祁门红茶称为"红茶皇后"。

      rénmen chángcháng bǎ qímén hóngchá chēng wéi "hóngchá huánghòu."

      People often call Keemun black tea the "Queen of Black Teas."

    • 古代的皇后住在紫禁城里。

      gǔdài de huánghòu zhù zài zǐjìnchéng lǐ.

      In ancient times, the empress lived in the Forbidden City.

    Expressing 'queen' with 皇后 (huánghòu) | Chinese Grammar