精英 jīngyīng cream
cream; elite; essence; quintessence
How to remember 精英: 精 essence + 英 petal = cream.
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How it is used
- The elite / best people in a field - 社会精英 (shèhuì jīngyīng) social elites; 精英人才 top talent.
- Neutral-to-positive noun for a select high-achieving group; also modifier: 精英阶层 the elite class, 精英教育 elite education.
- Can carry a faintly critical edge in discussions of 精英主义 (elitism).