状元

狀元

zhuàngyuán

noun HSK 7-9 #35,653

Meanings

HSK 4

古代的状元可以做大官。

Gǔdài de zhuàngyuán kěyǐ zuò dà guān.

In ancient times, the top scorer could become a high-ranking official.

HSK 6

他是今年高考的状元。

Tā shì jīnnián gāokǎo de zhuàngyuán.

He is this year's top scorer in the college entrance exam.

history

In China's imperial examination system (科举), the 状元 was the #1 scorer in the final palace exam. The top three were: 状元 (1st), 榜眼 (2nd), and 探花 (3rd).

culture

Today 状元 is commonly used for the top scorer on the 高考 (college entrance exam). Each province's 高考状元 becomes a local celebrity.

状 zhuàng

元 yuán