江湖
jiānghú
Description
“江湖”原来的意思是江和湖，后来常常指社会上的世界，特别是那些侠客、武林人物生活的地方。
The original meaning of "江湖" is rivers and lakes, but it later often refers to the social world, especially the place where knights-errant and martial artists live.
在小说里，很多英雄在江湖上走来走去，帮助别人。
In novels, many heroes roam the 江湖, helping others.
Meanings
江湖jiānghú
the world of martial artists, adventurers and outlaws
他年轻时闯荡江湖，认识了很多朋友。
He wandered the martial world in his youth and made many friends.
江湖jiānghú
society at large; the wider world outside
人在江湖，身不由己。
In the martial world, one is not always in control of oneself.
江湖jiānghú
itinerant, roving (of performers or quacks)
这是江湖郎中，不是真正的医生。
This is a quack doctor, not a real physician.
Related words
Notes
- Etymology
literally 江 (rivers) + 湖 (lakes), meaning the wandering world beyond settled society.
- Nuance
strongly tied to martial-arts fiction (武侠); evokes adventure, loyalty and danger.
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