noun · A section of society operating independently of mainstream life, including martial artists, itinerant performers, and traveling merchants.

人在江湖，身不由己。

noun · Remote areas to which scholars or officials retreat to live as hermits, away from the imperial court.

居庙堂之高则忧其民，处江湖之远则忧其君。

noun · The literal rivers and lakes, or figuratively, all corners of the country and the world at large.

他年纪轻轻就走遍江湖，见多识广。