宫廷 gōngtíng court (of king or emperor)
How to remember 宫廷: 宫 palace + 廷 court = court (of king or emperor).
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How it is used
- The royal court - the institution and social world around a monarch - 宫廷政变 (gōngtíng zhèngbiàn) a palace coup; 宫廷斗争 court intrigue.
- Emphasizes the people, politics, and life of the court, not the building. Common attributively: 宫廷音乐/料理 (court music/cuisine).
- Contrast 宫殿 (gōngdiàn), which is the physical palace building.