mandarin

• Nom désignant plusieurs notions : un petit agrume à peau fine et facile à peler (notamment la mandarine), un haut fonctionnaire de la Chine impériale, ou, par extension, un membre d'une élite culturelle ou intellectuelle.

A noun with multiple meanings: it can refer to a small citrus fruit with a loose skin (especially the mandarin orange), or to a high-ranking official in imperial China, or more broadly to a member of an elite cultural or intellectual group.

1. A2formalculinary

   A small citrus tree or its fruit, with a sweet, aromatic pulp and a thin, loose, easily peeled rind, typically yellow-orange to flame-orange in color.

   Mandarine (fruit)

   • She peeled a mandarin for a quick snack.
   • The market sells sweet mandarins from the south.
   • He added slices of mandarin to the fruit salad.

   Synonymesclementinesatsumatangerine

2. Elite IntellectualC1formal

   A member of a highly educated, influential, or culturally elite group.

   Mandarin (élite intellectuelle)

   • The literary mandarins of the city gathered for the annual symposium.
   • He was considered a mandarin of modern art criticism.
   • The university's mandarins shaped the direction of academic thought.

   Synonymesbrahmineggheadintellectualpunditsagesavantscholarthinker

3. High Government OfficialB2formalpolitical

   A senior bureaucrat or government official, often with significant power or influence.

   Mandarin (haut fonctionnaire)

   • The mandarin approved the new policy after months of review.
   • Corruption among high-ranking mandarins was a serious issue.
   • He served as a mandarin in the finance ministry for decades.

   Synonymesadministratorbureaucratfunctionaryministerofficialpublic servant

4. Imperial Chinese OfficialB2formal

   A high-ranking public official in imperial China, often a scholar-bureaucrat.

   Mandarin (fonctionnaire impérial chinois)

   • The mandarin wore a distinctive robe as a symbol of his rank.
   • In ancient China, a mandarin was required to pass rigorous exams.
   • The emperor consulted his mandarins on matters of state.

   Synonymesbureaucratofficial

5. Citrus VarietyA2formalculinary

   A type of citrus fruit, similar to a tangerine, with a reddish-orange color and loose skin.

   Mandarine (agrume)

   • The mandarin is known for its sweet flavor and easy-to-peel skin.
   • She bought a bag of mandarins at the grocery store.
   • Mandarins are often used in desserts and salads.

   Synonymesclementinemandarin orangesatsumatangerine