{"id":8193,"date":"2018-03-21T12:26:37","date_gmt":"2018-03-21T04:26:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.writtenchinese.com\/?p=8193"},"modified":"2022-06-03T18:50:50","modified_gmt":"2022-06-03T10:50:50","slug":"five-examples-of-chinese-poetry-with-english-translations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.writtenchinese.com\/five-examples-of-chinese-poetry-with-english-translations\/","title":{"rendered":"Five Examples of Chinese Poetry with English Translations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Some of the first recorded texts in China\u2019s history are poems, such as their long and respected history in Chinese culture. Literary Chinese, which came about around 771 BCE, was the language used to write poetry during the \u2018golden age\u2019 of China, as well as many popular books of the time such as those written by Confucius. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although this poetic language is not used in spoken and written Chinese in the modern-day, poetry from China\u2019s ancient times is still loved and enjoyed by many today.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interestingly, unlike in the west, in Chinese culture, the genre of a poem is dictated by the content matter instead of its form.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These five influential poets wrote throughout the Song and Tang Dynasties and produced a number of poems spanning several different genres: <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u767d\u5c45\u6613<\/span><\/a> (b\u00e1i j\u016b y\u00ec) Bai Juyi (772-846)<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Bai Juyi was a poet during the Tang Dynasty and started composing poetry at the age of 5 years old. Bai Juyi believed that poetry should contain a moral and social purpose and rejected the decedent behaviors prevalent at the time. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u6625\u7720<\/span><\/a> (ch\u016bn mi\u00e1n) Spring Sleep<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u6795\u4f4e\u88ab\u6696\u8eab\u5b89\u7a33<\/span><\/a>, <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(zh\u011bn d\u012b b\u00e8i nu\u01cen sh\u0113n \u0101n w\u011bn)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pillow is low, the quilt is warm, the body lies sleeping peacefully<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u65e5\u7167\u623f\u95e8\u5e10\u672a\u5f00<\/span><\/a>\u3002<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(r\u00ec zh\u00e0o f\u00e1ng m\u00e9n zh\u00e0ng w\u00e8i k\u0101i)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sun shines on the door of the room, the curtain is not yet open.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u8fd8\u6709\u5c11\u5e74\u6625\u6c14\u5473<\/span><\/a>, <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(h\u00e1i y\u01d2u sh\u00e0o ni\u00e1n ch\u016bn q\u00ec w\u00e8i)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The youthful scent of spring is still in the air,<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u65f6\u65f6\u6682\u5230\u68a6\u4e2d\u6765<\/span><\/a>\u3002<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(sh\u00ed sh\u00ed z\u00e0n d\u00e0o m\u00e8ng zh\u014dng l\u00e1i)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Often it will come to you in your dreams. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u675c\u752b<\/span><\/a> (d\u00f9 f\u01d4) Dufu (712-770)<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Dufu was born into a traditional family and had a Confucian education. He met and traveled with Li Bai, who he had great respect for. Although he was well-regarded, Dufu had no money or title. He held some positions in court but eventually became a gentleman farmer. His poetry celebrated the beauty of the natural world, although in his later years his tone took on more dark themes. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u96e8\u6674<\/span><\/a> (y\u01d4 q\u00edng) Rain Clearing<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u5929\u6c34\u79cb\u4e91\u8584<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(ti\u0101n shu\u01d0 qi\u016b y\u00fan b\u00e1o) <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sky’s water has fallen, and autumn clouds are thin,<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u4ece\u897f\u4e07\u91cc\u98ce<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(c\u00f3ng x\u012b w\u00e0n l\u01d0 f\u0113ng)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The western wind has blown ten thousand miles.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u4eca\u671d\u597d\u6674\u666f<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(j\u012bn zh\u0101o h\u01ceo q\u00edng j\u01d0ng)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This morning’s scene is good and fine,<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u4e45\u96e8\u4e0d\u59a8\u519c<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(ji\u01d4 y\u01d4 b\u00f9 f\u00e1ng n\u00f3ng)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Long rain has not delayed farming time.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u585e\u67f3\u884c\u758f\u7fe0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(s\u0101i li\u01d4 x\u00edng sh\u016b cu\u00ec)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The row of willows begins to show green,<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u5c71\u68a8\u7ed3\u5c0f\u7ea2<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(sh\u0101n l\u00ed ji\u0113 xi\u01ceo h\u00f3ng)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pear tree on the hill has little red flowers<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u80e1\u7b33\u697c\u4e0a\u53d1<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(h\u00fa ji\u0101 l\u00f3u sh\u00e0ng l\u00f3u sh\u00e0ng) <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A hujia pipe begins to play upstairs,<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u4e00\u96c1\u5165\u9ad8\u7a7a<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(y\u012b y\u00e0n r\u00f9 g\u0101o k\u014dng)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One goose flies high into the sky.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u675c\u7267<\/span><\/a> (d\u00f9 m\u00f9) Dumu (803-852)<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Dumu was one of the most influential poets of the Tang dynasty. He is most well known for his romantic quatrains, although he also wrong long-form narrative poems. Dumu held several official positions, however, felt that his career had ultimately been a failure and described his dissatisfaction in his poetry.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u8d60\u522b<\/span><\/a> (z\u00e8ng bi\u00e9) On Parting<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u591a\u60c5\u5374\u4f3c\u603b\u65e0\u60c5<\/span><\/a>\uff0c<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(du\u014d q\u00edng qu\u00e8 s\u00ec z\u01d2ng w\u00fa q\u00edng)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I feel deep love, but always seem heartless,<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u552f\u89c9\u6a3d\u524d\u7b11\u4e0d\u6210<\/span><\/a>\u3002<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(w\u011bi ju\u00e9 z\u016bn qi\u00e1n xi\u00e0o b\u00f9 ch\u00e9ng)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I think I should laugh during the banquet, but I can not.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u8721\u70db\u6709\u5fc3\u8fd8\u60dc\u522b<\/span><\/a>\uff0c<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(l\u00e0 zh\u00fa y\u01d2u x\u012bn h\u00e1i x\u012b bi\u00e9)\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The candle has a heart, so reluctant to part.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u66ff\u4eba\u5782\u6cea\u5230\u5929\u660e<\/span><\/a>\u3002<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(t\u00ec r\u00e9n chu\u00ed l\u00e8i d\u00e0o ti\u0101n m\u00edng) <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is crying till dawn instead of us.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u674e\u767d<\/span><\/a> (l\u01d0 b\u00e1i) Li Bai (701-762)<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Although Li Bai had the same family name as the imperial family at the time, he was actually from a lower family. He left home at 24 when he got married and began to write poetry. He began to wander, showing off his poetry in order to receive employment. He eventually went to Chang\u2019an, the Tang capital city, and became part of a poetry group. He came the unofficial poet laureate for Prince Lin, who was eventually executed for treason. Li was arrested and eventually banished. Li Bai celebrated his love of drinking and wrote poems about friendship and nature.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u81ea\u9063<\/span><\/a> (z\u00ec qi\u01cen) Amusing Myself<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u5bf9\u9152\u4e0d\u89c9\u669d<\/span><\/a>\uff0c<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(du\u00ec ji\u01d4 b\u00f9 ju\u00e9 m\u00edng)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drunk with friends, unaware that it is almost dusk.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u843d\u82b1\u76c8\u6211\u8863<\/span><\/a>\u3002<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(lu\u00f2 hu\u0101 y\u00edng w\u01d2 y\u012b)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fallen blossoms fill my clothes<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u9189\u8d77\u6b65\u6eaa\u6708<\/span><\/a>\uff0c<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(zu\u00ec q\u01d0 b\u00f9 x\u012b yu\u00e8)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drunk, I take a walk along a stream by moonlight,<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u9e1f\u8fd8\u4eba\u4ea6\u7a00<\/span><\/a>\u3002<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(ni\u01ceo hu\u00e1n r\u00e9n y\u00ec x\u012b)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Birds come\u00a0back home, and <\/span>few people are on the road.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u674e\u715c<\/span><\/a> (l\u01d0 y\u00f9) Li Yu (937-978)<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Li Yu was the final ruler of the south Tang dynasty, before Taizu, the founder of the Song dynasty invaded and took over. Li Yu was the master of the \u2018\u8bcd\u2018 song form and his earlier poems reflected the luxury of court. His most impressive poetry, came sadly when he experienced the loss of his kingdom.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How many tears? <\/span>\u671b\u6c5f\u5357<\/span><\/a> \u00b7 <\/span>\u591a\u5c11\u6cea<\/span><\/a> (w\u00e0ng ji\u0101ng n\u00e1n) (du\u014d shao l\u00e8i)<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u591a\u5c11\u6cea\uff0c\u65ad\u8138\u590d\u6a2a\u9890<\/span><\/a>\u3002<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(du\u014d shao l\u00e8i, du\u00e0n li\u01cen f\u00f9 h\u00e9ng y\u00ed)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How many tears cross my cheeks.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u5fc3\u4e8b\u83ab\u5c06\u548c\u6cea\u8bf4<\/span><\/a>\uff0c<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(x\u012bn sh\u00ec m\u00f2 ji\u0101ng h\u00e9 l\u00e8i shu\u014d)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I do not speak things of my heart when crying,<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u51e4\u7b19\u4f11\u5411\u6cea\u65f6\u5439<\/span><\/a>\uff0c<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(f\u00e8ng sh\u0113ng xi\u016b xi\u00e0ng l\u00e8i sh\u00ed chu\u012b)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please do not play the phoenix flute when I cry,<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u80a0\u65ad\u66f4\u65e0\u7591<\/span><\/a>\u3002<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(ch\u00e1ng du\u00e0n g\u00e8ng w\u00fa y\u00ed)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am no doubt extremely sad now.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u6885\u5c27\u81e3<\/span><\/a> (m\u00e9i y\u00e1o ch\u00e9n) Mei Yaochen (1002 – 1060)<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Mei Yaochen was one of the leading poets of the Song dynasty and helped revive the \u53e4\u6587<\/a> (g\u01d4<\/span><\/a>\u00a0w\u00e9n)<\/span><\/a> \u2018guwen\u2019 poetry style revival. Mei focused on social and political concerns as themes for his poetry, disregarding Confucian traditions. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u60bc\u4ea1<\/span><\/a> (d\u00e0o w\u00e1ng) Mourning Loss<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u7ed3\u53d1\u4e3a\u592b\u5987\uff0c\u4e8e\u4eca\u5341\u4e03\u5e74<\/span><\/a>\u3002<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(ji\u00e9 f\u00e0 w\u00e9i f\u016b f\u00f9, y\u00fa j\u012bn sh\u00ed q\u012b ni\u00e1n)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is 17 years ago since we got married.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u76f8\u770b\u72b9\u4e0d\u8db3\uff0c\u4f55\u51b5\u662f\u957f\u6350<\/span><\/a>\uff01<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(xi\u0101ng k\u00e0n y\u00f3u b\u00f9 z\u00fa, h\u00e9 ku\u00e0ng sh\u00ec ch\u00e1ng ju\u0101n) <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is still not enough to stay with you, how can I afford to lose you now forever!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u6211\u9b13\u5df2\u591a\u767d\uff0c\u6b64\u8eab\u5b81\u4e45\u5168<\/span><\/a>\uff1f<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(w\u01d2 b\u00ecn y\u01d0 du\u014d b\u00e1i, c\u01d0 sh\u0113n n\u00ecng ji\u01d4 qu\u00e1n)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Already, the hair on my temples is mostly white, how long can my body survive?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u7ec8\u5f53\u4e0e\u540c\u7a74\uff0c\u672a\u6b7b\u6cea\u6d9f\u6d9f<\/span><\/a>\u3002<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(zh\u014dng d\u0101ng y\u01d4 t\u00f3ng xu\u00e9, w\u00e8i s\u01d0 l\u00e8i li\u00e1n li\u00e1n)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the end, we’ll share a tomb; As I\u2019m still not dead, I still can not help but cry.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you have a favorite Chinese poem or poet? Share them with us below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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