yuánshuài: 元帅 - Marshal, Field Marshal

• Keywords: 元帅, yuanshuai, Chinese Marshal, Chinese military ranks, Field Marshal in Chinese, Ten Marshals of China, what is a yuanshuai, PLA ranks, Zhu De, Peng Dehuai
• Summary: Discover the Chinese term 元帅 (yuánshuài), meaning Marshal or Field Marshal, the highest and most prestigious military rank in Chinese history. This guide explores the powerful cultural significance of the title, especially its connection to the famous “Ten Marshals” of the People's Republic of China. Learn the character breakdown, see practical examples, and understand how this historical term reflects concepts of leadership and respect in Chinese culture.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): yuánshuài
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: N/A
• Concise Definition: The highest military rank, equivalent to a Marshal, Field Marshal, or Five-Star General.
• In a Nutshell: 元帅 (yuánshuài) is the title for the ultimate military commander. Think of it as the very top of the military pyramid, a rank reserved for legendary leaders who achieved monumental victories and shaped the nation's history. While the rank is no longer active in modern China, the term carries immense historical weight and respect, almost exclusively used today to refer to the revered founding leaders of the People's Liberation Army.

• 元 (yuán): This character means “first,” “primary,” “head,” or “origin.” It signifies the most important or highest position. Think of it as the “number one” or the source.
• 帅 (shuài): This character means “commander,” “general,” or “leader.” It's often associated with military leadership and strategy.

When combined, 元帅 (yuánshuài) literally means the “First Commander” or “Primary Leader,” perfectly capturing its role as the supreme military authority.

The term 元帅 (yuánshuài) is deeply embedded in Chinese military history, but its modern significance is almost entirely tied to the “Ten Marshals” (十大元帅, Shí Dà Yuánshuài) of the People's Republic of China. In 1955, this supreme rank was awarded to ten revolutionary commanders who made extraordinary contributions to the founding of the PRC. Figures like 朱德 (Zhu De) and 彭德怀 (Peng Dehuai) are household names in China, revered not just as military geniuses but as national heroes and founding fathers. To compare this to a Western concept, think of a “Five-Star General” in the USA (like MacArthur or Eisenhower) or a “Field Marshal” in the UK. However, there's a key cultural difference. The Chinese 元帅 were not just soldiers; they were revolutionaries who held immense political power and prestige. Their title signifies a blend of military prowess and nation-building authority that has no perfect equivalent in the West. The rank was abolished in 1965 and has not been reinstated, cementing the legacy of the original ten as unique and legendary figures.

In modern China, you will almost never hear 元帅 (yuánshuài) used to describe a living person. Its usage is primarily:

• Historical: When discussing 20th-century Chinese history, especially the Chinese Civil War and the founding of the PRC. Documentaries, books, and TV dramas frequently mention the 元帅.
• Figurative: In a more literary or journalistic sense, it can be used metaphorically to describe a dominant, pioneering leader in a non-military field. For example, one might describe a tech mogul as the “元帅 of the internet industry,” though this is not common in everyday conversation.
• Formal and Respectful: The term carries an aura of supreme respect and authority. Using it is a nod to a person's legendary status and historical importance.

It is not used to refer to the current highest-ranking officers in the People's Liberation Army (PLA), whose rank is 上将 (shàngjiàng), or “General.”

• Example 1:
  • 朱德是中华人民共和国的开国元帅之一。
  • Pinyin: Zhū Dé shì Zhōnghuá Rénmín Gònghéguó de kāiguó yuánshuài zhī yī.
  • English: Zhu De is one of the founding Marshals of the People's Republic of China.
  • Analysis: This is a classic historical statement. 开国 (kāiguó) means “founding of a country,” emphasizing the Marshal's role as a nation-builder.
• Example 2:
  • 这部纪录片讲述了十大元帅的传奇故事。
  • Pinyin: Zhè bù jìlùpiàn jiǎngshùle shí dà yuánshuài de chuánqí gùshi.
  • English: This documentary tells the legendary stories of the Ten Marshals.
  • Analysis: 十大元帅 (shí dà yuánshuài) is a fixed phrase that every Chinese person knows. It's the most common context for this word.
• Example 3:
  • 孩子问我：“爸爸，元帅和将军哪个更大？”
  • Pinyin: Háizi wèn wǒ: “Bàba, yuánshuài hé jiāngjūn nǎge gèng dà?”
  • English: My child asked me, “Dad, which is higher, a Marshal or a General?”
  • Analysis: This demonstrates a natural question a learner or a child might ask, highlighting the hierarchical nature of the term.
• Example 4:
  • 他的战略眼光，真有元帅的风范。
  • Pinyin: Tā de zhànlüè yǎnguāng, zhēn yǒu yuánshuài de fēngfàn.
  • English: His strategic vision truly has the style/air of a Marshal.
  • Analysis: A figurative use of the term. It's a high compliment, comparing someone's strategic thinking to that of a legendary military leader. 风范 (fēngfàn) means “demeanor” or “style.”
• Example 5:
  • 在中国象棋里，“帅”或“将”就相当于军队的元帅。
  • Pinyin: Zài Zhōngguó xiàngqí lǐ, “shuài” huò “jiàng” jiù xiāngdāng yú jūnduì de yuánshuài.
  • English: In Chinese chess, the “Shuai” or “Jiang” piece is equivalent to the army's Marshal.
  • Analysis: This connects the character 帅 (shuài) to its role in the popular board game, providing a memorable cultural link.
• Example 6:
  • 1955年，中国人民解放军第一次实行军衔制，设立了元帅军衔。
  • Pinyin: Yījiǔwǔwǔ nián, Zhōngguó Rénmín Jiěfàngjūn dì-yī cì shíxíng jūnxiánzhì, shèlìle yuánshuài jūnxián.
  • English: In 1955, the Chinese People's Liberation Army implemented a military rank system for the first time, establishing the rank of Marshal.
  • Analysis: This sentence provides a specific and important historical fact about the term's official use.
• Example 7:
  • 成为一名元帅不仅需要战功，还需要极高的威望。
  • Pinyin: Chéngwéi yī míng yuánshuài bùjǐn xūyào zhàngōng, hái xūyào jí gāo de wēiwàng.
  • English: To become a Marshal requires not only military achievements but also extremely high prestige.
  • Analysis: This sentence explains the qualities associated with the title, highlighting 威望 (wēiwàng), “prestige” or “reputation.”
• Example 8:
  • 彭德怀元帅以其直言不讳的性格而闻名。
  • Pinyin: Péng Déhuái yuánshuài yǐ qí zhíyán bùhuì de xìnggé ér wénmíng.
  • English: Marshal Peng Dehuai was famous for his outspoken and candid personality.
  • Analysis: This example attaches the title directly to a specific historical figure's name and character traits.
• Example 9:
  • 虽然这个军衔现在已经取消了，但元帅们的精神永远激励着后人。
  • Pinyin: Suīrán zhège jūnxián xiànzài yǐjīng qǔxiāole, dàn yuánshuàimen de jīngshén yǒngyuǎn jīlìzhe hòurén.
  • English: Although this military rank has now been abolished, the spirit of the Marshals will forever inspire future generations.
  • Analysis: This sentence clarifies the rank's modern status (abolished) while emphasizing its lasting ideological impact.
• Example 10:
  • 在那场决定性的战役中，他展现了元帅级别的指挥才能。
  • Pinyin: Zài nà chǎng juédìngxìng de zhànyì zhōng, tā zhǎnxiànle yuánshuài jíbié de zhǐhuī cáinéng.
  • English: In that decisive battle, he displayed a Marshal-level command ability.
  • Analysis: A figurative, adjectival use. “元帅级别 (yuánshuài jíbié)” means “Marshal-level,” used to describe something as being of the highest possible quality or skill.

• Don't use it for modern generals: The most common mistake is to call a current high-ranking officer in the PLA a 元帅. The rank doesn't exist anymore. The correct term for a modern general is 将军 (jiāngjūn) or, for the highest active rank, 上将 (shàngjiàng).
  • Incorrect: `这位上将是中国的现任元帅。` (This General is China's current Marshal.)
  • Correct: `他是一位受人尊敬的将军。` (He is a respected General.)
• It's not just “any” general: 元帅 (yuánshuài) is not a generic term for “general.” It is a specific, supreme rank. A “general” is 将军 (jiāngjūn). Using 元帅 when you mean 将军 is like calling every corporate manager a “CEO.”
• Historical Weight: The term is not used casually. It evokes a sense of history, sacrifice, and nation-building. Using it lightly, even figuratively, can sound overly dramatic if the context isn't right.

• 将军 (jiāngjūn) - General. The broad term for a high-ranking military officer, but lower in rank than a Marshal.
• 上将 (shàngjiàng) - General / Admiral. The highest active military rank in the PLA today.
• 十大元帅 (shí dà yuánshuài) - The Ten Marshals. The specific group of ten leaders awarded the rank in 1955; the most important context for 元帅.
• 司令 (sīlìng) - Commander. The officer in charge of a specific military unit, region, or branch.
• 士兵 (shìbīng) - Soldier. The basic rank-and-file member of an army.
• 军队 (jūnduì) - Army, troops, military.
• 统帅 (tǒngshuài) - Commander-in-chief; to command. Shares the character 帅, and refers to the supreme leader of all armed forces (often the head of state).
• 战争 (zhànzhēng) - War, warfare.
• 军衔 (jūnxián) - Military rank. The system of hierarchical relationships in an armed force.