上品

shàngpǐn

noun #41,218

Meanings

1 top grade; the best quality
2 superior class (of medicinal substances in classical Chinese pharmacology)

Characters

Examples

HSK 4

这种茶叶是茶中上品。

Zhè zhǒng cháyè shì chá zhōng shàngpǐn.

This tea is among the very best.

HSK 7-9

古人把人参列为上品药材。

Gǔrén bǎ rénshēn lièwéi shàngpǐn yàocái.

The ancients ranked ginseng among the top-grade medicinal herbs.

Tips

history

The oldest Chinese materia medica, 《神农本草经》, sorts its 365 substances into three grades: 上品, safe to take for a long time and good for health; 中品, which treat illness and build strength; and 下品, strong and often toxic, to be used only to cure disease.

usage

Outside medicine 上品 praises goods and craftsmanship, much like 精品; the very best of all is 极品.

Stroke Order

上 shàng

品 pǐn