封建 fēngjiàn system of enfeoffment
system of enfeoffment; feudalism; feudal; feudalistic
How to remember 封建: 封 envelope + 建 to build = system of enfeoffment.
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How it is used
- Feudal - but in modern speech mostly an insult meaning 'backward, old-fashioned in thinking': 你这个想法太封建了 (nǐ zhège xiǎngfǎ tài fēngjiàn le) your thinking is so feudal/outdated.
- Beyond the historical sense (feudalism), it colloquially brands attitudes about gender, marriage, or superstition as antiquated.
- Common 封建思想 (fēngjiàn sīxiǎng) feudal/backward mindset, 封建社会 feudal society.