Imperial Harem Ranks (from highest to lowest)
1. 皇后 (Huánghòu) – Empress
The legal wife of the emperor; the highest-ranking woman in the palace.
Addressed as: Niángniáng (娘娘)
Translation: "Your ladyship" or "Madam" ( with reverance)
2. 皇贵妃 (Huáng Guìfēi) – Imperial Noble Consort
Highest rank among concubines, second only to the Empress.
Addressed as: Niángniáng
3. 贵妃 (Guìfēi) – Noble Consort
Third in line; very powerful.
Addressed as: Niángniáng
4. 妃 (Fēi) – Consort
A senior concubine, often with some authority in palace affairs.
Addressed as: Niángniáng
5. 嫔 (Pín) – Imperial Concubine
Mid-level concubine with moderate privileges.
Addressed as: Pínfēi niángniáng or just Niángniáng
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Lower-Ranking Concubines
6. 贵人 (Guìrén) – Noble Lady
Entry-level noblewoman rank; often newly selected concubines start here.
Addressed as: Guìrén niángniáng, or Xiǎo Zhǔ(zi) by close maids.
7. 常在 (Chángzài) – Constant Companion
Lower than Guìrén, may or may not see the emperor often.
Addressed as: Chángzài niángniáng or Xiǎo Zhǔ
8. 答应 (Dāyìng) – Respondent
Lowest official concubine rank; often little favor or power.
Addressed as: Xiǎo Zhǔ, rarely Niángniáng
9. 才人 (Cáirén) – Talented Lady
A special entry-level title given for literary/artistic ability.
Addressed as: Cáirén niángniáng or Xiǎo Zhǔ
Note: Close maids refer to the concubines of lower ranks mostly as Xiǎo Zhǔ(zi) or Xiǎo Zhǔ.
Translation: "Little Master" or "Young Mistress"
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Others
女官 (Nǚguān) – Court Ladies or female officials serving in administrative roles.
宫女 (Gōngnǚ) – Palace maids; serve concubines and noblewomen.
太监 (Tàijiàn) – Eunuchs; manage internal palace affairs.
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Common Forms of Address Summary
Rank Address by Servants Notes
Empress: "Niángniang" (With highest reverence)
Noble Consort-Concubine: "Niángniang" (Shared among senior consorts)
Guìrén & below: "Xiǎo Zhǔ(zi)" (Personal maids use this informally)
Female Officials: "Gūniang" (formal title Based on age/rank)
Maids among themselves Name: "Jiějie/Meimei"
E.g., Chunqi-jiejie (Sister Chunqi)