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Terms

Terms

Genre-wide terms are concepts and vocabulary that appear throughout wuxia fiction across multiple authors and novels. Unlike faction or character articles specific to individual works, these terms represent the fundamental language and social structures of the jianghu world. Understanding these terms enhances comprehension of wuxia novels and helps readers navigate translations more effectively.

Organisations

Generic types of organisations and commercial entities in the jianghu:

  • Armed Escort 镖局 – Private commercial martial organisations that provided protection services for valuable cargo and people through dangerous territories

Concepts

Abstract concepts central to understanding wuxia narratives:

  • Jianghu 江湖 – The underground society of martial artists, outlaws, and wanderers existing parallel to conventional society in wuxia fiction. For a detailed historical and cultural exploration, see What is jianghu? (blog post). Coming soon: Articles on key concepts like fate, righteousness, and other fundamental wuxia concepts.

Social Structures

Social relationships, hierarchies, and community bonds in the jianghu:

  • Shifu 師父/师父 – The respectful term for a martial arts master who provides both technical instruction and moral guidance to disciples Coming soon: Articles on sworn brotherhoods, sect hierarchies, and other social structures.

Titles and Honorifics

Titles, forms of address, and honorifics used in the martial arts world:

  • Daxia 大俠/大侠 – A title of great respect in the jianghu, denoting someone of exceptional martial prowess who upholds justice and righteousness Coming soon: Articles on zhangmen, various honorifics, and other titles of respect used throughout the jianghu.

Cultural Terms

Cultural concepts, practices, and terminology unique to wuxia narratives:

  • Five Elements 五行 – Fundamental phases (wood, fire, earth, metal, water) that govern natural cycles and martial arts theory in Chinese philosophy Coming soon: Articles on other cultural practices, social norms, and terminology that appears across wuxia works.

See also