Long admired (simplified: 久仰, traditional: 久仰, pinyin: jiǔyǎng, jyutping: gau2 joeng5) was a courtesy phrase used when meeting someone for the first time in the jianghu. The phrase literally meant “long admired” and expressed that one had heard of the person and had been looking forward to meeting them for a long time.
Overview
Long admired was a standard polite greeting used in the jianghu when meeting someone for the first time, particularly when that person had a reputation or was known by reputation. The phrase demonstrated respect and acknowledgment of the other person’s status or achievements.
The phrase’s meaning reflected the idea that one had long heard of and admired the person, making it an appropriate greeting for those with established reputations in the jianghu.
Usage in the jianghu
First meetings
Long admired was commonly used when meeting someone for the first time, particularly when that person had a reputation or was known by reputation. The phrase served as a respectful acknowledgment of the other person’s status or achievements.
Showing respect
The phrase demonstrated respect and acknowledgment of the other person’s reputation or status. Using long admired showed that one recognised and valued the other person’s standing in the jianghu.
Social etiquette
Long admired was part of the social etiquette of the jianghu, used to establish a respectful and formal tone in initial meetings. The phrase’s traditional and polite nature made it appropriate for various social situations.
Behind the scenes
Long admired is a real Chinese courtesy phrase used in traditional Chinese culture. In wuxia fiction, the phrase serves as a standard greeting, reflecting the importance of etiquette and respect in the jianghu world.
The phrase’s prominence in wuxia fiction helps establish the social and cultural context of the jianghu, showing how respect and formality were expressed in traditional Chinese society.
In Mandarin Duck Blades
The phrase is the novella’s running joke about empty courtesy. Zhou Weixin tells the Four Xias of Taiyue he has long admired them moments after thinking he has never heard of them.1 The scholar Yuan Guannan says the same to Gai Yiming after hearing his string of epithets.2 Gai in turn tells Xiao Zhonghui that the four have known Xiao Banhe in spirit for a long time, though they have never met him.3