Xiansheng (simplified: 先生, traditional: 先生, pinyin: xiānshēng, jyutping: sin1 saang1), literally “first to be born” or “one born before,” is a respectful term used to address or refer to a scholar, teacher, or gentleman. In classical and Republican-era usage it is often equivalent to “Mister” or “Sir,” and is also used for doctors and other learned figures.
Usage
In Sword of the Yue Maiden and other wuxia or historical fiction, xiansheng may be used when characters address advisors, scholars, or respected figures such as Fan Li (范蠡) or other court officials, reflecting the formal and hierarchical language of the period.