状元 zhuàngyuan top scorer in the palace examination
top scorer in the palace examination (highest rank of the Imperial examination system); top scorer in college entrance examination 高考; (figuratively) the most brilliantly talented person in the field; leading light
How to remember 状元: 状 state + 元 yuan = top scorer in the palace examination.
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How it is used
- Historically the top scorer in the imperial palace exam; today, figuratively, the number-one in any field - 高考状元 (gāokǎo zhuàngyuan) the top scorer on the college entrance exam.
- Note the neutral tone zhuàngyuan; carries prestige and the imagery of ultimate academic triumph.
- Also 行行出状元 (every trade produces its champion) - a common saying.