少爷
shàoye
In Chinese, the phrase "young master" is translated as 少爷 (shàoye).
少爷 is most commonly encountered in historical dramas or literature set in imperial China to denote the son of a high-ranking or wealthy household. In modern colloquial Chinese, the term can be used sarcastically to describe a person who is spoiled, entitled or pampered.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of 少 (shào), meaning 'young' and 爷 (yé), a respectful term for a male elder or master.
Which one should you use?
While 少爷 (shàoye) refers to a young master, its counterpart 小姐 (xiǎojiě) is used to refer to a young lady of a wealthy family.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In a modern context, using this term can function as informal slang when used sarcastically to mock someone's entitled behavior.
How do you pronounce it?
shàoye
Did you know?
- The term 小姐 (xiǎojiě), the female counterpart to 少爷, follows a similar linguistic trap where its formal 'lady' meaning has been largely superseded by its slang connotation in urban nightlife districts.
- The character 爷 (yé) used in 少爷 is normally reserved for much older men, such as a grandfather or a father. Seeing 'young' paired with a term for an 'elder' creates a linguistic tension that signals the character's high social status.
- While 少爷 sounds like a title of respect, in modern internet slang it is often used in the phrase 少爷病 (shàoyé bìng), which literally means 'young master disease' to describe a pampered personality.
Examples in context
- 少爷，该吃药了。Shàoyé, gāi chī yào le.Young master, it is time to take your medicine.
- 大家都叫他少爷。Dàjiā dōu jiào tā shàoyé.Everyone calls him young master.
- 这位少爷很讲礼貌。Zhè wèi shàoyé hěn jiǎng lǐmào.This young master is very polite.
Example conversation
A maid is speaking to a worker about the son of the household.
- 佳怡 Jiayi少爷今天不在家吗？Shàoyé jīntiān bù zài jiā ma?Is the young master not home today?
- 伟 Wei他去城里办事了。Tā qù chéng lǐ bànshì le.He went to the city on business.
- 佳怡 Jiayi那我就先回去了。Nà wǒ jiù xiān huíqù le.Then I will head back now.
- 伟 Wei好的，再见。Hǎo de, zàijiàn.Alright, goodbye.
