New Practical Primer of Literary Chinese PDF
New Practical Primer of Literary Chinese PDF
New Practical Primer of Literary Chinese PDF
Unit 1
Lessons 1-10
Lesson 1
A Few Proverbs
Text #1
Text #2
Text #3
Vocabulary (1-27)
1.
M: zh
J: chi , shiru
K: ji
2.
M: mng
J: my , mei , inochi
K: myeong
C: mihng
1. To command; a command.
2. Fate; life span. *
Note: What Heaven or the gods command for you is your fate. They also command
your life span. Radical 30 (, "mouth").
3.
M: zh
J: sha , mono
K: ja
C: j
4.
M: b
J: fu , -nai-, -zu-
K: bu
C: bt
Not.
always negates verbs or adjectives, so always expect a verb or adjective
following it (although see also 1.1 below). Radical 1 (, "one").
5. M: yun
C: yun
J: en , on , uramu , urameshii
K: won
6.
M: tin
J: ten , ame
K: cheon
C: tn
7.
M: j
J: ko , ki , ono , onore
K: gi
C: gi
8.
M: rn
K: in
C: yhn
K: hwa
C: woh
9.
M: hu
J: ka , wazawai
K: saeng
1.To be born, to arise from; to give birth to; to be alive; to raise; to grow; alive; life.*
2.Master, Mister, [polite suffix]
Note that the subject of the verb can be the thing that produces or the thing that is
produced. For example: , A person is born" (or a person lives/is alive); ,
Resentment gives birth to disaster. Radical 100 ().
11.
M: y
J: o , ni , oite
[A multipurpose preposition.]
K: eo
C: y
This is one of the most common characters in literary Chinese; another character,
(344), is often used interchangeably with it. Translate based on the context (see
1.4). Radical 70 (, square).
12.
M: y
K: yok
C: yuhk
13.
M: d
J: toku , eru
K: deuk
C: dk
14.
M: f
J: fuku
K: bok
C: fk
15.
M: z
J: shi , ji , mizukara
K: ja
C: jih
16.
M: jn
J: kin
K: geum
C: gm
17.
M: shng
J: sh , sei , hijiri
K: seong
C: sing
18.
M: y
J: i , motte
K: i
C: yh
19.
M: xn
J: shin , kokoro
K: sim
C: sm
20.
M: do
J: d , michibiku
K: do
C: douh
To lead.
This character could be interpreted as the verbal equivalent of , road, path
in other words, to show [someone] the road. Radical 41 (, "thumb").
21.
M: r
J: ji , mimi
K: i
C: yh
1.Ear.*
2."And that is all; and that is the end of it. [sentence completion particle]
The second meaning is a "phonetic fusion" of the two characters ; this usage
will be encountered later. Radical 128 ().
22.
M: m
J: moku , ma , me
K: mok
C: muhk
23.
M: xio
J: sh , chiisai
K: so
C: su
24.
K: wi
25.
sihn
M: shn
K: seon
C:
This character refers either to virtuous, moral behavior or to talent and skill. Don't
confuse it with (46). Radical 30 ().
26.
J: h , mukuiru
M: bo
K: bo
C: bou
27.
M: d
J: toku
K: deok
C: dk
1.Virtue, power. *
2.Good deed; to do a good deed.
Although in most literary Chinese texts this character refers to the modern sense of
"virtue," in early texts it sometimes implies inner (almost magical) power or
charisma. Some scholars have argued that it is the power one possesses to make
another obliged or grateful to oneself (and this in turn led to meaning #2). One of
the names of the Laozi is Daodejing , Classic of the Way and Its Power.
Radical 60 ().
COMMENTARY
1.1. Parts of speech: In the commentary, I will occasionally be using terms such as
noun, adjective, pronoun, verb, or adverb to explain how words are functioning in a
sentence. However, writers sometimes employ a single word in a variety of
grammatical functions if it sounds right to them. This cannot be done arbitrarily with
any word, but it is fairly common. For example:
can mean to want (verb):
: People want ears,
or it can mean to want to. (auxiliary verb):
: Heaven wants to reward the wise person.
1.2. Number and tense: Although there are some characters that mark the plural
(and we will see them later), usually the writer lets context decide if something is
singular or plural. Sometimes it's up to the reader to decide; sometimes the context
will make it obvious. The same is true of tense. When I translate the examples
below, I often choose what I think makes best sense, but sometimes it's not the only
possibility.
1.3. : In its simplest usage, this is added to a verb or verb phrase and indicates
the person or thing carrying out the action. See 7.4 for further details.
: one who knows
: one who resents
: one who leads
: one who leads people
: one who grows ears
1.4.: This is a vague, multipurpose preposition usually placed between a verb and
a noun. The noun that follows it is often the location of the action, but the
relationship can also be more abstract. can only be translated by seeing the
context of the sentence and understanding how its accompanying verb is being
used. Most frequently it means in, from, or by.
The wise person obtains eyes from Heaven.
The wise person leads the petty person from disaster.
Note: If you think that the wise person is not very compassionate, you can translate
it as The wise person leads the petty person into disaster." Context and
interpretation are everything!
The petty person arises from disaster.
The person who knows himself obtains reward from Heaven.
PRACTICE: Put the following into literary Chinese:
1. One who does good leads the heart (away) from disaster.
2. The heart is born from the good.
3. The person got ears from Heaven.
1.5 : This is one of the most frequently used characters in literary Chinese, and it
has a very wide application. It was originally a verb meaning to take, to use.
Eventually, it started to be used in combination with other verbs (what English
language scholars often call a coverb). It serves the same purpose as English
prepositions like with, by means of, and through. It usually comes before the
main verb, and it is followed by its own special object:
Heaven repays with disaster the person who does evil.
In this example, is the main verb, and is its object. is the coverb, and
is the object of the coverb.
Other examples: Identify the object of the coverb in each case:
The wise person leads the petty person with virtue.
The person who restrains herself leads her desires with virtue.
1.6 Shifting the coverb position: However, if a writer wants to put special emphasis
on the thing that gets used (as in text #3), he or she will place the coverb and its
object after the main verb:
: The petty person leads his heart with his ears and eyes.
Another, more awkward way of expressing the same sense: It is with his ears and
eyes that the petty person leads his heart."
: It is with good that the one who knows herself rewards others.
: It is with resentment that the petty person rewards Heaven.
PRACTICE: Put the following into literary Chinese:
1. It is with disaster that [our] eyes and ears repay ignorance.
2. Virtue arises from the good person through his heart.
3. It is through self-control that the one who knows herself commands Heaven.
1.7. Putting the object first: Sometimes a writer will place a direct object at the
beginning of a sentence in order to contrast how it receives the action in
comparison to other things. Look at the following English sentences:
As for those books, put them in the chest. As for the magazines, throw them out.
Somebody has asked us, "What do you want me to do with these books and
magazines?" We reply, contrasting the two groups of items and saying what we
want done with each. This means that the first thing in a sentence will not
necessarily be the subject; look carefully for the sense of a sentence before you
interpret.
In our lesson, sentence #3 has displaced the object to the first thing in the sentence
(), and has followed it with the subject ().
Character List
i. (26)
iii. (1)
Lesson 2
Text #2
VOCABULARY (2870)
28.
M: jn
J: kun , kimi
K: gun
C: gwn
1.Ruler, lord. *
2.[Polite second person pronoun; compare Elizabethan English My Lord]
Radical 30 ().
29.
M: z
J: shi , ko
K: ja
C: j
1. Son, child. *
2. Master, [polite suffix, like (I0-2)]
3. You. [pronoun]
4. Viscount (a feudal title; see 4.1 below).
Radical 39 ().
28a.
M: jn z
J: kunshi
K: gun ja
C: gwn j
30.
M: yu
J: y , aru
K: yu
C: yuh
32.
M: shn
J: shin , mi , karada
K: sin
C: sn
31a.
M: zhng shn
J: shshin
K: jong sin
C: jng sn
33.
M: zh
K: ji
C: j
34.
M: yu
K: u
C: yu
35. M: r
C: yh
K: i
36.
M: w
J: mu , nai
K: mu
C: muh
actually a substitute for the "proper" negative imperative, . This usage will not
occur until Lesson 23. Radical 86 (, fire).
37.
M: y
J: ichi , hitotsu
K: il
C: yt
J: ch , asa , ashita
K: jo
1. Morning, dawn*
2. First day of the lunar month.
3. [Royal or imperial] court; to hold court, to go to court, to summon to court.
Radical 74 ().
37a.
M: yzho
J: itch
K: il jo
C: yt ju
39. M: hun
C: waahn
K: hwan
40.
M: shn
J: jun , shitagau
K: sun
C: seuhn
C:
41.
M: do
J: d , michi
K: do
C: douh
43.
M: xn
J: jun , shitagau
K: sun
C:chuhn
44.
M: l
J: ri , kotowari
K: li , i
C: lih
45.
M: yn
K: eon
C: yhn
46.
J: ki , yorokobu
M: x
K: hui
C: hi
47.
J: ka , kuwawaru , kuwaeru
M: ji
K: ga
C: g
1. To increase.
2. To participate [in], to be of benefit.
3. Increasingly, more. *
4. To apply [to].
5. Advantage, gain.
The adverbial usage ("increasingly, more") may seem a little odd. It functions as a
way to express comparatives (-er adjectives in English). Examples: ,
The gentleman does not become any smaller; , The petty person does
not become any wiser." Radical 19 (, "strength").
48
M: y
J: eki , yasui
K: i
C: yih(1); yihk(2)
1. Easy; easily. *
2. Change; to change, to exchange; the Book of Changes (a Chinese classic).
The first use is often in conjunction with another verb to express the idea easy
to For example: , easy to lead; , "easy to carry out." See also 7.3.
Radical 72 (, sun).
49.
M: n
Angry; anger.
J: do , nu , ikaru , okoru
K: no
C: nouh
Radical 61 ().
K: nan
51.
M: xi
J: ka , ge , shita , etc.
K: ha
C: hah
6a.
M: tin xi
J: tenka
K: cheon ha
C: tn hah
52.
M: sh
J: shitsu , ushinau
K: sil
C: st
53.
hauh
M: hu
K: hu
C:
35a.
M: r hu
K: i hu
C: yh hauh
54.
M: rn
J: jin
K: in
C: yhn
Kindness, benevolence.
One of the most important Confucian virtues. Radical 9 ().
55.
M: y
J: gi
K: ui
C: yih
56.
M: yn
J: en
K: eon
C: yhn(1), yn(2)
57.
M: gu
J: koku , kuni
K: guk
C: gwok
58.
M: ji
J: ka , ke , ie
K: ga
C: g
59
jih(2)
M: ch (1); zh (2)
J: chi , ji , osameru
K: chi
C: chh(1),
60.
J: k
M: xio
K: hyo
C: haau
61.
J: min , tami
M: mn
K: min
C: mhn
62.
M: zhng
J: s , arasou
K: jaeng
C: jng
K: bun
64.
M: c
J: ji , itsukushimu
K: ja
C: chh
C:
65.
J: kei , e , megumu
M: hu
K: hye
C: waih
Compassion; compassionate.
is an example of a synonym compoundtwo words with roughly the same
meaning put together, sometimes for emphasis, sometimes to create a symmetrical
rhythm. Up to this point in the lesson text, the expression has been followed by
a two-character phrase: first , then . Although the author could express his
meaning here with only the character , the symmetry of the phrases forces him to
insert a synonym. Radical 61 ().
66.
M: n
K: yeok
C: yik
67.
M: sh
J: ji , toki
K: si
C: sh
68.
M: fn
J: han , kaeru
K: ban
C: fan
69.
M: qun
J: gon , ken
K: gwon
C: kyhn
70.
M: mu
J: b , mu , hakaru
K: mo
C: muh
69a.
M: qun mu
J: kenb
K: gwon mo
C: kyhn muh
COMMENTARY
2.1. The particle : Our text gives us the first, and probably the most common, of
several uses for this character. It connects two nouns or noun phrases; its use is
often optional and it tends to occur when clarification is needed. It can represent
either possession or description:
:the ruler's schemes
the states of the world
:the era of a wise person
:the petty person's house
:behind the gentleman
2.2. Longer descriptive phrases: You will probably have most difficulty with when
it connects a whole sentence to a noun. In literary Chinese, one does not say "the
ruler who plots against the state. One says the plot-against-state ruler"
.Other examples follow:
: a family that does good
a people that vies to obtain the Way
: a plot that goes against good people
: a Heaven that rewards a state with good fortune
One of the consequences of this type of structure is that it is sometimes difficult to
tell whether a verb is the main verb of a sentence or instead part of the description
of the noun. For example:
At first, you might see the characters as a group and begin to read the
sentence as "Rulers want to obtain the Way. But suddenly, you are confronted
with . What to do now? If you look at the sentence carefully, you'll see that the
main verb of the sentence is , whereas is part of a phrase describing . The
true meaning: "The ruler wants wise men who have obtained the Way."
PRACTICE: Translate the following (some may be correctly interpreted in different
ways):
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
PRACTICE: Put the following into literary Chinese:
1. A wise ruler who talks about virtue
2.3. The conjunction : This is an extremely vague word that usually connects two
verbs. How it should be interpreted depends on the context. Some examples:
In this case, the two actions of the are both bad and do not seem to be
contrasting or contradictory. Consequently, we translate with a simple "and": "The
petty person goes against the Way and opposes virtue."
This case is open to debate, but the writer's point here seems to be that a wise
person, although careful of his/her own behavior, will not try to force that behavior
on others. Consequently, we might translate with "but": The wise person controls
him/herself but does not control others."
, the ruler is angry; , the son is small; , the wise person is kind.
Notice that when you reverse the characters, you have an adjective-noun phrase
rather than a complete sentence: , angry ruler"; , small son"; , kind
wise person. Always be careful to observe word order when interpreting a
sentence!
2.5. Passive structures: There is a simple way to distinguish the active voice" and
the "passive voice" in sentences. If the subject of the sentence carries out the
action of the verb, it's the active voice; if it receives the effects of the verb, it's the
passive voice. For example:
The filial son killed the rat. This is active voice.
The rat was killed by the filial son. This is passive voice.
There are a number of special ways to indicate the passive voice in literary Chinese,
and we'll examine them as we encounter them (7.3, 9.2, 9.3, and 31.11). However,
it's not unusual for a writer to use the passive voice without any special indication of
such when the meaning of the sentence would make it clear. In the second proverb
above, should be read passively; although in English we could say that a
state or a family governs, usually in Chinese these are recipients of governing. So,
the state and family are not [well] governed" would be correct.
2.6. Implied compound sentences: As we shall see, literary Chinese does have
words for constructing multiclause sentences, like if, when, then, although,
and so forth. However, it is just as likely that a writer will leave these out if the
meaning is clear without them. For example, in the sentence ,
the expression means only then, which suggests that the first phrase has an
implied if or when.
More difficult are these two phrases from proverb #1:
Chinese writers tend to have a fondness for four-character phrases and that may be
why this is put the way it is. It would have been somewhat easier if we had:
2. The petty man talks about kindness and justice but he does not practice virtue.
3. When the world is not governed, only then do the people struggle to obtain the
Way.
4. The son practices filial piety and governs his family.
5. Although she is angry she does not resent the ruler.
6. When the ruler does not speakonly then do the people plot against virtue.
2.7. Reading pronunciations() in literary Chinese: You may have noticed (if you
know some modern Mandarin) that the character (59) was given a pronunciation
of chi when it functions as a verb even though such a pronunciation does not exist
at all in modern spoken Mandarin. Such pronunciations are sometimes called
reading pronunciations; the rationale behind them is worth discussing for a
moment.
As the different Chinese dialects evolved, they came to pronounce characters
differently, even though the characters preserved their essential meanings.
Obviously, modern Mandarin Chinese also sounds quite different from the Chinese
of very ancient times, or even later times such as the Tang dynasty (618-907
C.E.). Moreover, ancient Chinese was "tonal like the modern dialects, but the tones
were different (just as they are different in Mandarin, Cantonese, Taiwanese, etc.).
Later readers in China (I am referring to the period from roughly the eleventh
century to the early twentieth century) tended to use Tang dynasty Chinese as their
standard for identifying the tones of literary Chinese. This does not mean that they
pronounced literary Chinese the way Tang dynasty Chinese had. It merely means
that they tended to list a character's tone in Tang terms, not in modern Chinese
terms. But what does this mean exactly?
Tang Chinese had four tones, but these were not the four tones of modern Mandarin.
They were called "level", "rising", departing, and "entering". When
modern Mandarin started to develop after the twelfth century, it divided "level" tone
characters between modern tones one and two; "rising" became modern third tone
and "departing" became modern fourth tone. The "entering tone (characterized by
a glottal stop endinglike words in modern Cantonese that end in -k, -p, or -t
sounds) disappeared from Mandarin altogether, and characters with such tones
were redistributed among the other tones. (This is a very rough description, and
there are many exceptions.) Old entering tones can be traced very easily in
Japanese; they are characters that have two-syllable on readings (doku, batsu, etc.).
The respect later imperial scholars had for the Tang era meant that they continued
to identify characters by their Tang tones, even as their own spoken tones changed.
Character List
i. (40)
ii. (2)
iii. (1)
Lesson 3
VOCABULARY (71-101)
71.
J: man , ban
M: wn
K: man
C: maahn
Ten thousand.
Radical 140 ().
72.
M: w
K: mul
C: maht
73.
M: q
J: ki , sore , sono
K: gi
C: kih
1. This; that; these; those; its; his; her; their, [possessive and demonstrative
adjective]*
2. Perhaps, probably, should, [vague modal adverb]
This character is extremely common in literary Chinese constructions. For details of
the first meaning, see 3.1. The second meaning will be encountered and explained
later (11.6). Radical 12 (, eight).
74.
J: hon , moto
M: bn
K: bon
C: bn
75.
M: bi
K: baek
C: baak
One hundred.
Radical 106 (, white).
76.
M: sh
J: ji , koto , tsukaeru
K: sa
C: sih
77.
M: chng
K: seong
C: shng
78.
M: su
J: so , sho , tokoro
K: so
C: s
1. Place, location.
2. [Grammatical particle: turns a verb into a direct object.]*
The second use of this character is fairly complicated and will probably cause you
some difficulty. For details, see 3.3 below. Radical 63 (, door).
79.
M: zi
J: zai , aru
K: jae
C: joih
80.
M: gu
J: ki , kaeru , kaesu
K: gwi
C: gwi
81.
M: gu
J: ki , ttobu , ttoi
K: gwi
C: gwai
82.
M: i
J: ai , aisuru , oshimu
K: ae
C: ngoi
83.
M: wi
J: i , osoreru , kashikomu
84.
M: w
J: oku
K: ok
House, room.
Radical 44 (, corpse, body).
C: ngk
K: oe
C: wai
85. M: lu
C: lauh
K: lu , nu
To leak.
Radical 85 ().
86.
M: q
J: kyo , ko , saru
K: geo
C: heui
87.
J: sui , mizu
M: shu
K: su
C: sui
Water.
Sometimes this character is used poetically for "river" (like the waters of the Nile
in English). Radical 85 ().
88.
J: sen , asai
M: qin
K: cheon
C: chn
Shallow.
As can the English word for this meaning, this character can be used literally
(shallow water) or metaphorically (shallow feelings). Radical 85 ().
89.
M: y
j: gyo , uo , sakana
K: eo
Fish.
Radical 195 ().
90.
M: to
J: t , nigeru
To flee, to escape.
K: do
C: tuh
C: yh
91.
J: ju , ki
M: sh
K: su
C: syuh
1. Tree*
2. To plant [a tree], to establish.
Radical 75 ().
92.
M: go
J: k , takai
K: go
C: gu
J: ch , tori
K: jo
C: nuh
High, lofty.
Radical 189 ().
93.
M: nio
Bird.
Radical 196 ().
94.
C: sk
M: s
K: suk
95.
M: hu
J: k , atsui
Thick; generous.
Radical 27 (, cliff).
K: hu
C: huh
96.
J: shi , samurai
M: sh
K: sa
C: sih
97.
J: s , shu
M: q
K: chu
C: chui
To hurry; to hasten.
Radical 156 (, to run).
98.
M: l
J: rai , rei
K: ye
C: lih
99.
M: zhng
J: ch
K: chung
C: jng
100.
M: xn
J: shin
K: sin
C: seun
101.
M: s
J: shi , shinu
K: sa
C: si
Death; to die.
For this character's special use in this lesson's text see 3.4 below. Radical 78 (,
"bad," "vicious").
COMMENTARY
3.1. The possessive/demonstrative adjective and pronouns in general: Although
will have some other important functions that we will note later, its most
common is to signify "demonstrative" functions {this, that, the) or possession. Thus,
depending on the context, could mean this fish, that fish, the fish [we
have been talking about]," her fish, his fish, its fish, or their fish Do not
confuse it with :
(): the ruler's mind
: his mind
If you wish to say your mind" or my mind," you use an optional particle with a
first or second person pronoun:(), ().
Generally speaking, Chinese writers rarely used subject pronouns in the third
person. So instead of expressing "she," "he," it, or they, the text will simply
have nothing at all:
The ruler obtains the people's hearts, and only then will he
obtain their trust.
3.2. Partitive structure: This is an interesting and common pattern that often
confuses students. Pay careful attention to the following discussion.
We have already seen in 2.2 how a long verbal phrase can modify a noun:
: a people who do not trust their ruler.
However, if you want to put particular emphasis on such peopleto see them as a
special subgroup of peoples in general (the subgroup of those who don't trust their
ruler), then you use a new pattern, characterized by :
NOUN + + VERBAL PHRASE + So, our earlier sentence could be rewritten as:
The difference here may seem unimportant, but the flavor of the second suggests
that the writer wants to distinguish special characteristics of small trees and tell us
something about them.
Other examples:
[those] people who flee disaster
[those] states that do not obey Heaven
[those] birds that do not nest in trees
[those] sages who control themselves
One final warning: The particle in this structure is optional, so don't expect it
always to be there. In the opening of this lesson, we have .This is the
same as . All the other uses of the partitive in this lesson are the
same.
PRACTICE: Translate the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
PRACTICE: Put the following into literary Chinese. Be sure to use partitive structures!
After you have finished, try rewriting your sentences in nonpartitive forms.
1. Petty people who are not at home
2. Fish who do not have rulers
3.3. The particle : Placed before a verb or verb phrase, this character
nominalizes it (turns it into a noun). But unlike , this noun receives the action of
the verb, rather than performing it.
one who loves
If the verb in a structure takes a location as its object, then you may need to
translate as "place":
one who abandons
:one who returns
The person or thing carrying out the action in the structure is placed in a
modifying position in front of the character, often connected to it by
()that which/what the knight loves
()that which/what the wise person flees
()that which/what the fish completes
():the place that the bird abandons
():the place that the ruler returns to
()where the Way is located
PRACTICE: Translate the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
We will see other ways of using the, particle in the lessons ahead.
3.4. Idiomatic usages of some vocabulary items: No matter how thoroughly you
learn the grammar of literary Chinese, or how frequently you practice characters,
there will always be some ways of using specific characters that you won't be able
to anticipate. Sometimes these usages aren't even mentioned in dictionaries. You
must be patient and pick up this information as you go along, and you must not get
frustrated.
Case in point: The verb to die") is normally intransitive (i.e., it doesn't take a
direct objectyou can't die someone). But in this lesson, it is followed by the
direct object pronoun . Perhaps you might guess that should be interpreted as
to kill" in this casebut you would be wrong. In fact, can take as its object the
person for whom one dies (in an act of loyalty); this is usually one's ruler or lord.
Character List
i. (28)
ii. (3)
Lesson 4
VOCABULARY (102-134)
102.
M: q
J: sei
K: je
C: chih
103.
M: hun
J: kan K: hwan
C: whn
Martial, military.
This is a relatively uncommon character, used most often in proper names and titles
(as this case).
Radical 75 ().
104.
M: gng
J: k , kimi
K: gong
C: gng
J: sei kan k
K: je hwan gong
105.
M: d
K: dae
C: daaih
Radical 37 ().
106.
M: chn
J: shin , omi
K: sin
C: shn
107.
M: j
J: gu , sonawaru , sonaeru
K: gu
C: geuih
1. To prepare.*
2. Utensil, tool
3.All, the whole, every, [adverb]
Radical 12 ().
108.
M: ji
J: shu , sake
K: ju
C: ju
1. Alcoholic beverage.
2. Banquet, [figurative usage]
This character has usually been translated as wine, but you should keep in mind
that alcoholic beverages at this time were probably brewed from grainsthat is,
they were closer to beer. Fermented rice beverages (like Japanese sake) and strong
distilled beverages were not made until much later. Radical 164 (,fermented
millet").
109.
M: q
J: ki , go
K: gi
C: kih
110.
M: r
K: il
C: yaht
J: ch , naka , uchi
K: jung
C:
1. Middle, midst. *
2. To hit on target, to strike the middle of.
Note the change of tone in the second, verbal meaning (which is often used in
discussions of archery). Radical 2 ().
110a.
M: r zhng
J: nitch
K: il jung
C: yaht jng
112.
M: gun
J: kan , kuda
K: gwan
C: gn
113.
M: zhng
J: ch
K: jung
C: juhng
112a.
juhng
M: gun zhng
Guan Zhong.
J: kan ch
K: gwan jung
C: gn
114.
M: zh
J: shi , itaru
K: ji
C: ji
1. To arrive. *
2. To go so far as; to reach the point of.
3. When, when the time came that.
4. The ultimate, the most, the perfect.
This is an especially common character. In addition to its straightforward verbal
usage, it has a number of more abstract uses. The second meaning can be used in
expressions representing the extent to which an action may be carried out. For
example: , he took revenge to the extent of death"he took revenge even to
the extent that he risked death or killed his enemy. The third meaning can be used
as a simple time marker. For example: , when he went to Qi.... The last
meaning is used as an adverb to represent the superlative degree of some quality.
For example: , the most perfect good," the highest degree of good." Radical
133 ().
115.
M: j
K: geo
C: gui
116.
M: shng
J: sh
K: sang
C: sung
117.
M: yn
J: in , nomu
K: eum
C: ym
To drink.
In this anecdote the character is causative: to make drink." See 4.3 below. Radical
184 (, to eat).
118.
M: bn
J: han , nakaba
K: ban
C: bun
Half.
Radical 24 (, ten).
119.
M: q
J: ki , sutsu , suteru
K: gi
C: hei
120.
M: yu
K: wal
C: yeuhk
1. To say, to speak. *
2. To be named, to be called.
Do not confuse this character with (110), which is thinner. This verb appears most
commonly as an introducer of direct speech, but the second usage is common when
introducing names. See 4.4. Radical 73 ().
121.
M: k
K: ga
C: h
122.
M: h
J: ko , ya , ka
K: ho
C: fh
123.
M: du
J: tai
K: dae
C:
deui
To reply, to answer.
Radical 41 ().
124.
M: wn
K: mun
C: mhn
1. To hear.*
2. To smell
3. Learning, fame, reputation (i.e., "what is heard).
This is by far the most common verb for hearing. It is also commonly used (as in this
case) to introduce a proverb or a common saying: I have heard. Radical 128 ().
125.
M: r
J: ny , ju , iru , hairu
K: ip
C: yahp
To enter.
Do not confuse this character with (8). Radical 11 ().
126.
M: sh
J: zetsu , shita
K: seol
C: siht
Tongue.
Radical 135 ().
127.
chut
M: ch
K: chul
C:
Radical 17 (, receptacle).
128.
M: j
J: kei , hakaru
K: gye
C: gai
129.
M: r
J: jo , nyo , gotoku
K: yeo
C: yh
1. To resemble, to be like. *
2. To go [to].
3. If, supposing.
Note that this character has a number of radically different meanings. Radical 38 (,
female).
4a.
M: b r
J: funyo
K: bul yeo
C: bt yh
130.
J: sh , warau , emu
M: xio
K: so
C: siu
To laugh; to smile.
Often, literary Chinese clarifies which meaning is meant by using for laugh
(which will appear in Lesson 6). As a transitive verb, means to laugh at
[someone/something].
Radical 118 ().
131.
M: f
Father.
Radical 88 ().
J: fu , chichi
K: bu
C: fuh
113a.
M: zhng f
J: chfu
K: jung bu
C: juhng fuh
Uncle.
Applied to a "middle" uncle (neither the oldest nor youngest). In this text,
uses it as a term of respect and affection to his minister, who was like an uncle" to
him. This usage implies that was old enough to be his uncle, but not
excessively old. It is probably coincidental that s personal name was .
132.
M: q
J: ki , okiru
K: gi
C: hi
133
M: ji
J: sh , ju , tsuku
K: chwi
C: jauh
134.
M: zu
J: za , suwaru
K: jwa
C: joh
COMMENTARY
4.1. Rulers and their names: When the Zhou rulers took control of China from the
Shang dynasty in the eleventh century B.C.E., they distributed territories to
relatives and allies who were to administer those areas in the name of the ruling
house. As the centuries went by, these territories became increasingly
independent. At first there were over a hundred such territories, but the stronger
conquered the weaker, and by the fifth century B.C.E. there were only seven major
states and a few remaining minor ones.
The rulers granted their subordinates feudal titles that have been translated into
English using certain traditional Western terms: =duke; =marquis; =earl; =
viscount; and =baron. However, by the fifth century B.C.E. most of the rulers had
appropriated for themselves the title of king , which supposedly should have
been used only by the rulers.
While a ruler was living he did not have any specific reigning titlehe was simply
referred to by respectful terms, such as "Your Majesty" and so forth. Once he died,
he received an honorary posthumous title and was subsequently identified by that
name (as in this case Duke Huan ). In addition, as a matter of respect, many
feudal rulers, no matter what their level (baron or marquis or viscount or whatever)
were usually called duke after their death. That means that you'll find in texts
far more often than any of the other titles. When giving the full name of a ruler, first
the state name is given, then the posthumous name, then the feudal title. Hence,
is Duke Huan of Qi.
4.2. The coverb : We have seen one coverb so far, (1.5). is the second most
common coverb; notice that it is read in the fourth tone in Mandarin. It means on
behalf of (usually) or because of (sometimes), and it occurs in the opening
sentence of our lesson text. Some other examples:
The ruler practices virtue on behalf of the people.
The son gave up ale for the sake of his father.
The minister proceeded to his seat for the sake of the duke.
4.3. Causative verb use: Sometimes verbs will have a specific causative usethat
is, they represent letting or making someone else carry out the action of the verb.
These uses are not arbitrary and only occur with certain characters in certain
circumstances, so you have to know when to expect it or not. Sometimes it is
obvious, because no other reading would make any sense. In our lesson text, we
have .Whereas this could mean "Duke Huan raised his cup in order to
drink from it" (i.e., the cup), or Duke Huan raised his cup in order to drink it" (i.e.,
the ale), the next sentence jumps to s act of pouring out half of the ale. That
would suggest that the best reading of the line is Duke Huan raised the cup in
order to have him [] drink from it." Here are some similar examples:
I provided a seat for my uncle [lit., "caused my uncle to sit"].
The ruler passed around the ale [lit., caused the ale to go"].
The duke hurried his minister off to his house.
The minister produced his plans.
4.4. and direct speech; also, verbal descriptives for speech. Because literary
Chinese had very little punctuation (if any) and no equivalent for quotation marks,
indicating direct speech can be rather confusing. Consequently, writers almost
always employ the verb to say to indicate a quotation. This may seem a
little tedious and repetitive, but think of it as a guide to reading. When writers
wished to describe the manner in which something was said, they often put a verb
before . For example, , "replied, saying 1; , "laughed, saying; and so
forth. Speakers could also indicate things that they had heard from others by using
I have heard that. Unfortunately, these guides do not help one determine
when a quotation ends. In the story above, it's impossible to know how long the
proverb is that quotes. We know that he is speaking about himself when he
says ; but, is the proverb itself only , or does it include the two
phrases that follow it as well?
4.5. Question forms: . There are two kinds of questions one can ask: the first is a
question that gives two alternatives and asks which one is correct (a yes-no
question; e.g., "Are you going to the store?); the second is a question that elicits
new information through the use of a question word such as when, where, who,
what (e.g., "Where are you going?").
With no question marks to use, literary Chinese has to find ways to indicate
questions. This is not difficult when a question word is employed. But if a yes-no
question is involved, the only way to indicate that there is a question is to end with
a question particle. is the most common one, and sometimes it is used to end
new information questions as well (though its use then is redundant).
For new information questions and "question words, see 5.5 below.
4.6 Idiomatic meaning for : Whereas this phrase ordinarily would mean does
not resemble it soon developed a special, idiomatic meaning: . not as good
as (or not as important as" or not as impressive as or whatever). Examples:
Loving the ruler is not as good as fearing him.
4.8. Cultural note: the banquet. Although meant to entertain, state banquets were
an important part of court ceremony as well, with rigidly observed rituals and a set
drinking etiquette. This means that s behavior would have seemed particularly
rude.
The duke's last words may also seem a little hard to interpret unless you imagine
the circumstances. When arrives, he goes directly to receive a cup from his
ruler, probably on his knees. The duke then dismisses him, telling him to "rise and
go to your seat."
PRACTICE: Translate the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
PRACTICE: Put the following into literary Chinese:
1. The Duke of Qi for the sake of his people returned to the good.
2. I have heard: His son speaks of filial piety and yet does not love his father.
3. Guan Zhong laughed and said, Did the lord to the end of his life cast aside the
ale cup? [That] is not as good as holding a banquet [lit., preparing ale] for the
sake of wise men."
4. His uncle does not sit in the middle of the ministers.
5. The bird raised its tongue and laughed. The fish was in the water and did not
hear.
6. His father wants to leave the house and drink in a tall tree.
7. The duke daily proceeds to his room and hears what his ministers are planning.
8. The lord appointed a day in order to complete the Rites.
9. Are you rejecting rituals in order to obtain what you love?
10. I believe in what the knight believes in.
Character List
i. (31)
ii. (2)
Lesson 5
J: s
1. Zeng. [a surname]*
2. Once in the past, [adverb tense marker]
K: jeung
C: jng(1), chng(2)
Radical 73 ().
135a.
M: zng zi
J: sshi
K: jeung ja
C: jng j
136.
J: e , i , koromo
M: y (1); y (2)
K: ui
C: y (1); yi (2)
1. Clothes, robe. *
2. To put on clothes, to wear clothes. *
Note that each part of speech has a different tone. Radical 145 ().
137.
M: b
J: hei
K: pye
C: baih
138.
M: gng
J: k , tagayasu
K: gyeong
C: gang
To plow.
Radical 127 (, "plow").
139.
M: l
J: ro
K: no
C: luh
140. M: sh
C: s (1, 3); si(2)
K: sa
141.
M: wng
J: , yuku
K: wang
C: whng
To go.
Radical 60 ().
142.
J: chi , itasu
M: zh
K: chi
C: ji
143.
M: y
J: y
K: eup
C: yp
144. M: qng
C: chng
K: cheong
1. To request. *
2. To pay a polite visit to.
This character produces some confusion because it can imply both a request for
permission to do something and a request that someone else do something. For
145.
M: c
K: cha
C: ch
146. M: xi
C: su
K: su
147.
M: shu
J: ju , ukeru
K: su
C: sauh
To receive.
Radical 29 ().
148.
M: f J: fuku , mata
K: bok
1. Again; moreover. *
2. To return; to repay; to report.
This character occurs in a wide variety of contexts, and it usually implies repetition
of some sort. As a verb, it represents reciprocation (to return something or to repay
something, or to report on a situation, usually after returning from a mission
compare [26]). As an adverb, can be exceedingly vague, implying the repetition
of the same action or merely the occurrence of a different action related to the first
(in which case it is often left untranslated). It also occurs frequently with the
negative
149.
M: yu
K: u
C: yuah
Again; moreover.
This character is frequently used as a synonym for (148). However, often
emphasizes irritation, disgust, or unexpected repetition. For example, with
negatives, means again [he] didn't come! (He stood us up again!) Perhaps
because of the special emphasizing function of , does not occur at all.
Radical 29 ().
150. M: xin
K: seon
C: sn
150a.
M: xin shng
J: sensei
K: seon saeng
C: sn sang
151.
M: fi
J: hi , arazu
K: bi
C: fi
152.
M: qi
J: ky , gu , motomeru
K: gu
C: kuh
153.
M: z
J: soku , sunawachi
K: chik
C: jk
Then
This character is often optional and is used to clarify what might otherwise be an
unclear relationship between clauses; it is typically found in both Since then
and If... then sentences. In our lesson text, it is used to emphasize that since
did not ask for anything, then the messenger can conclude that the town was
freely given as a present. Radical 18 ().
155.
M: x
J: kei , nani
K: hae
C: hih
155a. M: x wi
J: nan no tame
K: hae wi
C: hih waih
156.
yh (2)
M: y (1); y (2)
1. To give*
2. I, me [first person pronoun ]
K: yeo
C: yh (1);
Radical 6 ()
157.
M: jio
J: ky , ogoru
K: gyo
C: gu
158.
M: zng
J: sh , j , tatoe
K: jong
C: jung
Even if.
Radical 120 ().
159.
M: c
K: sa
C: chi
160.
M: w
J: ga , waga
K: a
C: ngh
161.
M: y
J: ya
K: ya
C: yah
[Particle.]
This character can place a special emphasis on a phrase. The particle has a number
of other functions, which we will explore later. For the time being, just think of it as
indicating an emphasis. Radical 5 ().
162.
M: nng
J: n , atou
K: neung
C: nhng
163.
M: w
K: mul
C: mahk
Do not. [imperative]
For details on the use of this character, see 5.7 below. Radical 20 (, package).
164.
M: kng
J: k , ku , ana
K: gong
C: hng
1. Hole; nostril.
2. Kong, [a surname]*
Radical 39 ().
164a.
M: kng z
J: kshi
K: gong ja
C: hng j
165.
sm(2)
J: shin , san
K: sam
C: cham(1),
166.
M: z
K: jok
C: jk
167.
M: qun
J: zen , mattsuru
K: jeon
C: chyhn
168.
M: ji
J: setsu .fushi
K: jeol
C: jit
Commentary
5.1. Pivot structures: When a writer wishes to express the idea of making somebody
do something, he might turn a verb into a causative verb (see 4.3). However, a
more obvious way to express the same thing is to employ a pivot verb such as .
These verbs are called pivot verbs because their object is the pivot in the
sentence; it functions as the object of one verb and the subject of another. For
example:
The duke sent me/made me to go to Qi.
In this sentence, is the object of and the subject of .
Some other examples:
The lord made his ministers drink ale.
His uncle made Zengzi go and plow.
The Duke of Qi made me go to my seat.
Scholars are in disagreement as to whether also had the meaning of to allow in
the early period (i.e., to grant permission to someone to do something, as opposed
to making the person do it). By the third century C.E., however, was definitely
used in both senses.
PRACTICE: Translate the following:
1.
2..
3.
4.
5.
5.2. Implicit subjects: I mentioned in 3.1 that third person subject pronouns are
relatively rare in literary Chinese. Instead, writers will simply not give any subject at
all and let the context explain. In line 2 of the text above we have three
independent phrases: . If you think about the story carefully,
though, you should be able to figure out who is the subject in each case. If you have
difficulty, try different possibilities until you are certain you have it right.
5.3. Use of the negative You might find this character troublesome, because it
often reflects a mood or tone of speech rather than a simple negation. Note these
two sentences:
I am not abandoning my father.
Its not that I'm abandoning my father.
One might say that does not negate the verb , but negates the whole sentence
concept, the act of me abandoning my father. This means that tends to be used
when one wishes to deny a proposition made by someone else and then go on to
give the right proposition. Note the following exchange to get a better idea:
Why are you throwing away the ale? Is that in keeping with
courtesy?
It's not that I'm discourteous, [but] I don't want to speak
rashly.
PRACTICE: Translate the following:
1 .
5.5. New information questions: We saw in 4.5 that all questions in literary Chinese
could be divided into either yes-no: questions (ending usually with the particle
or new information" questions (which would require a special question word").
The grammar and syntax of question words are particularly complicated (a good bit
more complicated than actually interpreting question words in a sentence); those
who are interested in the details are urged to look at Edwin G. Pulleyblank's Outline
of Classical Chinese Grammar, pp. 91-97. A few basic ideas can be kept in mind,
however:
1. Sometimes question words function as adverbs ("Why are you going?). In such
cases, they tend to precede the verb.
2. Sometimes question words function as direct object pronouns ("Whom are you
killing?" "What are you doing?). In these cases, the question words also tend to
precede the verb (this may be another example of idiomatic inversion"; see 5.6).
3. Question words often combine with coverbs (especially and to form twocharacter question words. These phrases are usually inverted (see issa and 5.6).
In this lesson, we have the standard question word , as well as its combined form
with ; .The question phrase comes before the verb: , "Why don't you
accept?"
5.6. Idiomatic inversions: There are two situations where literary Chinesefor some
reason that no one understandsdecides to reverse two characters:
5.7. Fusion particles: .This grammatical form may also cause you some difficulties.
Sometimes when two words that often occurred together were said quickly, they
fused into one syllable and were represented by a different character. There are
about half a dozen of these altogether, and we'll discuss them as we encounter
them.
is the first of these. It is a fusion of (M: wu C: muh, a character used for
negative commands: Do not!), with the direct object pronoun . In our lesson
text, we have . If is replaced with its fused characters, we have
. If we then rearrange the sentence, using the rules of idiomatic inversion in 5.6,
we have . The next question is: Why an imperativesince this sentence
is not a command? It is also an idiomatic habit for writers to negate sentences that
contain verbs of desire or ability~especially and ~~with an imperative
instead of the simple. If we change the sentence once more, we have :
"Am I able to not be afraid of him? (or, in the context of good English and the sense
of the passage, Could I avoid fearing him?).
=Do not prohibit/control it!
=Do not go against him!
Character List
i. (30)
ii. (3)
iii. (I)
1.4. :
1.
2.
3.
1.5-1.6. Coverb :
1.
2.
3.
4. Partitive structures:
1.
2.
3.
3.3. :
L
2-
3.
4.2. Coverb :
1.
2.
3.
5.1. Pivots:
1.
2.
3.
The people plow, the ruler governs, birds talk. Prohibiting () birds is not as good
as obtaining their plans. Please let me go to my seat."
The roof was leaking. The bird worried about it. The duke entered and said, "Please
receive a gift from me!" He gave the bird some ale. The bird threw it aside and said,
angrily, You are without courtesy." The duke, worried, said, I want to make you
love my country. Birds do not seek out my house." The bird replied, Even if you
have courtesy, I will not seek your house any more." (clue: 148). A minister said,
"Do not let him go out!(clue: 5.6, 5.7) but the bird had left them.
Lesson 6
VOCABULARY (169-205)
169.
M: zho
J: ch
K: jo
C: jiuh
170.
M: jin
K: gan
C: gan
169a.
jiuh gan j
M: zho jin z
J: ch kanshi
K: jo gan ja
C:
At this time, the feudal state of (controlled by the clan) was part of the larger
state of Jin . was one of the greatest military leaders of his clan. In the time
of his son, fell apart into three independent states, being one of them (see
Lesson 14 for more details).
171.
bng
M: bng
J: hei , hy , tsuwamono
K: byeong
C:
Weapon; troops.
The character originally meant weapon but soon came to refer to soldiers as well.
Radical 12 ().
172.
J: k , semu , semeru
M: gng
K: gong
C: gng
To attack.
Radical 66 (, to rap).
173.
lhng
M: lng
J: ry , rei , -shimu-
K: lyeong
(yeong )
C:
174 .
M: jn
J: gun
K: gun
C: gwn
Army.
Radical 159 (,"carriage," "cart").
175.
M: gn
J: kan , aete
K: gam
C: gam
176.
J: kan , isameru
M: jin
K: gan
C: gaan
To remonstrate with.
This word has strong political (and later, Confucian) connotations; specifically, it is
used in situations where a minister or servant feels it his duty to criticize his
superior's actions. Radical 149 ().
177.
J: zai , tsumi
M: zu
K: joe
C: jeuih
178.
M: p
J: hi , kaburu
K: pi
C: pi
179.
M: ji
J: kan , yoroi
K: gap
C: gaap
180. M: mng
C: mhng
J: my , mei , na , nazukeru
K: myeong
181.
M: l
J: ro
K: no
C: luh
104a.
M: gng l
J: k ro
K: gong no
C: gng luh
182.
M: wng
J: m , b , nozomu
K: mang
C: mohng
K: gyeon
C: gin
1. To see*
2. [Marker of the passive voice; see 9.3 .7]
3. To have an audience with [the ruler], to grant an audience to.
4. To appear, to be made manifest, to seem (used for ).
Radical 147 ().
184.
M: k
K: ha
C: hh
laughing?") or as the direct object of , placed idiomatically before the verb ("What
are you laughing at?).
See 5.5. Radical 9 ().
185.
M: ni
K: nae
C: naih
30a.
M: yu y
J: mottearaba ...
K: yu i
C: yuh yh
186.
M: ji
K: hae
C: gai
To untie, to loosen, to get rid of; to solve [a problem]; to break [a siege]; to explain.
The wide range of meanings for this character all derive from its meaning to untie
(and hence, to alleviate some difficult situation). Radical 148 ().
J: t , ataru , atari
K: dang
188.
M: sng
J: s , kuwa
K: sang
C: sng
189.
M: ln
K: lin , in
C: luhn
191.
M: y (1-4); y (5)
J: yo
K: yeo
1. And*
2. With, [coverb]
3. To give.
4. To belong to, to be a part of (see Lesson 21).
5. [Question particle.]
C: yh (1-4); yh (5)
192.
M: q
J: sai , tsuma
K: cheo
C: chi
Wife.
Radical 38 ().
193.
M: j
J: gu , ku , tomo ni
K: gu
C: kui
All, together.
Don't confuse this character with (107) (though Chinese writers themselves
sometimes used the two characters interchangeably). Radical 9 ().
194.
M: tin
J: den , ta
K: jeon
C: thn
Field.
Radical 102 ().
K: nyeo
196. M: yn
in
C: yn
K:
1. Thereupon, therefore. *
2. To go through, to make use of to take advantage of.
The original meaning of this character seems to be related to the word for "cushion"
or pillow which was written later with the grass radical (). Meaning #2 resulted
from an abstract derivation of this meaning: someone may "lean" on a previous
event or person in order to proceed to the next event, just as one leans on a
pillow (hence, the coverbal/verbal meaning of to go through, to make use
of). Furthermore, the most common and even more abstract meaning thereupon
or therefore came about from this (an event leans upon a previous event in
order to occur). Unlike in Mandarin, where this character almost always implies a
direct causal connection between two actions (therefore), in literary Chinese this
character is more often a simple marker of what happens next ("thereupon").
Radical 31 ().
197.
J: tsui , ou
M: zhu
K: chu
C: jui
198.
wahn
M: hun
K: hwan
199.
M: kung
J: k
K: gwang
C: kwong
200.
M: jn
Now, at present.
Radical 9 ().
K: geum
C: gm
C:
201.
M: w
J: go , waga
K: o
C: gh
202.
M: f
K: beol
C: faht
203.
M: sh
J: ze , kore
K: si
C: sih
This, these.
Note the great difference in meaning from modern Mandarin! For more on this
character's use in literary Chinese, see 6.5 below. Radical 72 ().
11a.
sih
M: y sh
K: eo si
C: y
204.
baah
M: b
205.
M: sh
J: shi
K: sa
C: s
K: pa
C:
1. Army*
2. Teacher; to take as ones teacher.
In meaning #1, this character is a slightly old-fashioned word for army. In later
times, (174) is used much more frequently for this meaning. Also, note that
whereas and can both be translated as army, (171) refers more to the
soldiers themselves and is best translated as troops. In meaning #2 (first
encountered in Lesson 20), the character is usually a nounbut as a verb it implies
the act of taking on or choosing a teacher for oneself. For example: , I take
Confucius as my teacher. Radical 50 (, napkin, kerchief).
COMMENTARY
6.1. Consequence sentences: The sentence may cause you
some problems.
First, note that could be the object of , with the rest of the sentence giving
the content of the command: "He commanded the army that. However, it could
also be the "place-subject" of , locating where possible remonstrators might exist:
He commanded that, [if] there were anyone in the army who. Which
interpretation you choose is up to you.
Second, follows a certain typical pattern for commands, giving the
consequence if some precondition exists: [If] there is anyone [in the army] who
dares to remonstrate, [I] will punish [him] as far as death.
You might also compare the grammar of two similar sentences:
If there is anyone who dares remonstrate, [I] will punish [him] as far
as death.
He who dares remonstrate [I] will punish as far as death.
In meaning, the sentences are essentially the same. But in the first case, there are
two clauses: an implied if clause with as the verb, and a second clause with
as the verb. In the second case, the two clauses have been telescoped into one
sentence: is the displaced object (see 1.7) of the verb .
PRACTICE: Translate the following, seeing if you can express the grammatical
difference in your translation:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.2. Cultural note: sericulture. As you may know, the thread for silk comes from the
cocoons of a caterpillar commonly called the silkworm. These caterpillars were fed
with the leaves of the mulberry tree until they entered their cocoon stageand so a
common sight in spring was the harvest of the mulberry leaves. This harvesting was
considered "women's work" in ancient China, and so (since it was often thought too
forward for a woman to spend too much time in full view of men) this was one of the
few times when men could go girl watching. As a result, mulberry-leaf picking
became a task heavily laden with erotic connotations in Chinese literature. There
are quite a few anecdotes describing romantic trysts or courtships that occur during
this time of year, as well as attempted seductions.
6.3. XY sentences: Literary Chineseat least during the early period of its
developmentavoided using any clear-cut verb for to be (what grammarians call
the copula because it connects two things together: Mary is a village girl, John
is a farmer, That is a silkworm, etc.). Sometimes a writer will use (24), but this
usually occurs in cases where a person is being identified by a temporary state of
being or an occupation: John is a mulberry picker, Mary is student council
president.
For most "copular" sentences, writers created a different grammatical pattern,
which we will call the nominal sentence, or, more familiarly, the XY sentence.
Here, you simply put the two elements side by side, and then end the sentence with
the particle:
Mary / village girl
John / farmer
That / silkworm
If the two parts of such a sentence (the X and the Yare particularly long, a
modern punctuator will separate the two with a comma ()but not always!
Moreover, keep in mind that sometimes a writer will dispense with the altogether,
leaving it up to you to interpret the sentence.
Some examples:
The Duke of Lu is a kind man. (Note the difference grammatically from
saying , "The Duke of Lu is kind.")
6.4. XY sentences with : One very typical form of the XY sentence involves
the particle already discussed in 3.3. You might call it a sort of definition form.
The place you are going to is Zhao.
The one whom Gong Lu remonstrated with is Viscount Jian of
Zhao.
What fish flee is shallow water.
What I don't drink is ale. Of course, the clause can be on either
side:
Ale is what I don't drink.
Fish is what I like.
6.5. The evolution of as copula: If you know Mandarin Chinese, you know very
well that is used as a copula; but, strictly speaking, literary Chinese avoided this
meaning. However, by the third century C.E. (and even before, sometimes) people
were already using it in the modern sense, although more often in the spoken
language than in the written. This development is easy to understand if you look
closely at this lesson's text. says:
Now I am attacking a state and losing a statethis is my
"loneliness."
The speaker has given one sentence and then substituted for it when he goes on
to construct an XY sentence. He could have simply said:
Now my attacking a state and losing a state is my
"loneliness."
But, he probably thought it would be too clumsy. It is in fact very common in literary
Chinese to make a statement and then make a point about it in XY form,
substituting or for it. But after several centuries, readers began to interpret
not as "this" but as a verb, to be.
PRACTICE: Put the following into literary Chinese, using in all nominal sentences:
Vocabulary Hints
From this lesson on, you may find it difficult to remember the meanings of
characters you previously encountered. This section will remind you of some of the
meanings, as well as point out new ones. If you still cannot identify the meaning of
the character, consult the comprehensive glossary.
(29-4) (115-1) (30-2) (114-2) (120-2)
(105) (130) (123) (94-2) (153)
(67) (33-3) (141) (162) (49)
(86) (52) (80)
Character List
i. (31)
ii. (6)
Lesson 7
VOCABULARY (206-240)
206.
M: b
J: haku
K: baek
C: baak
1. Senior or elder of a group of brothers (as opposed to [113] the middle brother).
2. Earl (a feudal title; see 4.1 above).
Note that , like , can refer to an uncle. Here, is part of a name. Radical 9
().
207.
M: y
J: ga , ge , kiba
K: a
C: ngah
Tooth, tusk.
Here, the character is used as a personal name. Radical 92 ().
2o6a.
ngah j
M: b y z
J: haku ga shi
K: baek a ja
C: baak
208.
M: g
J: ko , tsuzumi , kosu
K: go
C: g
209.
M: qn
K: geum
C: khm
Zither, harp.
This character actually refers to a seven-stringed or nine-stringed instrument, long
and board-like, that is strummed with the hands while resting in the lap or when
placed in front of one on the ground. It is associated in Chinese culture with the high
"classical" arts of the well-educated gentleman. Radical 96 ().
210.
M: zhng
J: sh
K: jong
C: jng
1. To gather, to concentrate.
2. Bushel [of grain] (used to measure the salary of an official).
Here, is part of a two-character surname. Radical 167 (, gold, metal).
210a.
kih
M: zhng z q
J: shshi ki
K: jong ja gi
C: jng j
211.
K: cheong
C: ting
212.
M: fng
J: h , kata
K: bang
C: fng
This character has a wide range of meanings; the adverbial use, meaning #1, is
probably the most common. Radical 70 ().
213.
M: zh
J: shi , kokorozashi
K: ji
C: ji
214.
M: ti
J: tai , ta
K: tae
C: taai
215.
M: shn
J: san ,yama
K: san
C: san
Mountain, hill.
Radical 46 ().
214a.
M: ti shn
J: taizan
K: tae san
C: taai san
Mt. Tai.
A common early variant for , the great sacred mountain located in Shandong.
216.
M: zi
J: sai , ya , ka na
K: jae
C: ji
25a.
M: shn zi
J: zenzai
K: seon jae
C: sihn ji
217.
M: wi
J: gi
K: wi
C: ngih
218. M: ru
(3) K: yak
J: sh , sukoshi , sukunai
K:
220.
C: syn
M: xun
K: seon
Note! Meaning #2 (the meaning in this lesson's text) is very rare, and you will
hardly ever encounter it. When you do, it will probably be in the compound .
When you memorize this character, concentrate on meaning #1. Radical 162 ().
221.
M: jin
K: gan
C: gan
222. M: li
C: luh
K: lyu
K: tang
(1-2);
224.
M: p
J: ha , yaburu
K: pa
C: po
To smash, to destroy, to break, to defeat [an army or a state]; tattered, brokendown. When used as an adjective, this character is synonymous with (137) and is
in fact much more common than the latter character. Radical 112 (,"stone").
225.
M: ju
K: jeol
C: jyuht
226.
M: xin
J: gen , tsuru
K: hyeon
C: yhn
18a.
M: y wi
J: omoeraku
K: i wi
C: yh wih
To assume.
This two-character verb emphasizes subjective opinion. Unlike in modern Mandarin,
however, in literary Chinese it is not necessarily an incorrect assumption.
227.
M: sh
J: se , sei , yo
K: se
C: sai
228.
M: d
J: doku , hitori
K: tak
C: duhk
229.
M: xin
J: ken , kashikoi
K: hyeon
C: yhn
230.
M: y
K: yeok
C: yihk
1. Also, again*
2. Indeed.
Take note of the two chief uses of this very common characterit either implies
repetition ("also," "again") or simply is used for emphasis. Context should make
clear which meaning is appropriate. Radical 8 (, above).
231. M: rn
K: yeon
232.
M: su
J: sui , iedomo
K: su
C: sui
233.
M: ji
K: jeop
C: jip
234. M: yu
yu
C: yuh
K:
155b.
M: x yu
J: nani ni yorite
K: hae yu
C: hih yuh
235.
M: jn
K: jin
C: jeuhn
236.
M: j
J: ki
K: gi
C: kei
237.
M: qin
J: sen , chi
K: cheon
One thousand.
Radical 24 ().
238.
M: l
J: ri
K: li
C: lih
C: chn
In meaning #2, this character can be used to describe both autonomous villages
and wards, neighborhoods, or suburbs of larger towns. In some ancient texts, are
described as organizational units, consisting of 25, 50, 72, or 100 households.
Radical 166 ().
239.
M: di
J: tai , matsu
K: dae
C: doih
K:
206b.
M: b l
J: haku raku
K: baek lak
C: baak lohk
COMMENTARY
7.1. Cultural note: those who know the tone. This story became especially famous
in Chinese literature and culture. Later, the term (=tone, note; "[one who]
knows the tone") developed, to describe a particularly close friend or someone who
knows someone else almost instinctually. Music in general was thought to have a
particularly great power in ancient China, as a way of conveying one's emotions or
as a way of affecting others for good or for ill.
well as a question. This shouldn't cause you too much trouble, because context
should make it clear whether a sentence is a question or an exclamation. Also note
that speakerswhen they want to put a particular emphasis on their description of
somethingwill invert the sentence, so that the exclamatory ending particle
actually turns up in the middle of the sentence. Thus, (Your playing of the
harp is wonderful!) becomes ("Wonderful!your playing of the harp, or
in better English, perhaps, "How wonderful is your harp playing!"). Other examples:
How sagely is Confucius!
How lonely is the husband pursuing the woman!
How large is the army of Viscount Jian!
7.4. Nominalizing clauses with : In 1.3, we learned that the most basic and easily
understandable use of was to indicate the performer of an action:
:one who plays a harp
one who chooses an army
one who practices governance with benevolence and virtue
If you only know this use of , however, you'll miss out on its significance.
Sometimes when a sentence is followed by , the character "nominalizes" the
sentence or brackets it as a topic for conversation and discussion. In this way the
word is similar to the English phrases the fact that" or the act of:
: the fact that Duke Huan does not listen to Guan Zhong's words...
: the fact that the man of Qi lost his wife...
: the fact that [someone] entered the fields and made contact with
worthy men...
There are two other common places where is used for emphasis and clarification.
The first occurs in "definition"-style sentences, where a noun is followed by in
order to single it out as an item under discussion. These usually occur in XY style:
Birds are things that roost in trees.
A "ruler" is a person who governs the people.
Another common use of as a nominalizer is with phrases. If we return to the
example sentences of 6.4, we find that it is very common to put a after a
phrase in order to bracket it. Thus:
[]The place you are going to is Zhao.
[]The one whom Gong Lu remonstrated with is Viscount
Jian of Zhao.
[]What fish flee is shallow water.
In this case, there would be nothing except context to prevent us from interpreting
this sentence as a partitive (3.2)that is, a slightly abbreviated version of
, "those people of Qi who abandoned their wives." This is because could be
plural or singular, and so it contributes to the ambiguity.
This is even worse! Because the sentence has no explicit subject, we could very
easily come up with the following translation: One who enters the field and makes
contact with worthy men." Again, only context indicates which would be better.
Similarly, our examples from the beginning of this explanation could be read
differently, if the context demanded: = "the act of/the fact of playing the
harp"; ="the act of/the fact of selecting an army"; and so forth.
The most important thing to remember, in any case, is that can do more than
simply indicate one who.
7.5. Explanation sentences with and : Here is an important pattern that uses
"sentence nominalization" as described in 7.4 above. We noted in Lesson 6 that
(161) could be used to indicate an emphasis suggested by a speaker. When we have
two clausesone ending with and the next one ending with there is a good
chance that they form an "explanation" sentence:
"The fact that/the reason why X... is because of Y."
Take a look at the last two phrases of our lesson text. If and were missing, we
would simply have:
This looks like two independent sentences: Ji does not himself arrive a thousand li.
He is waiting for/depending on Bo Le and only then arrives." That makes perfect
sense, and if we kept it like this, we would be more or less right. But when we add
the particles, things change a little bit:
Now we have a much more transparent sentence that emphasizes the relationship
between the two clauses: The fact that/the reason why Ji does not himself arrive a
thousand li is because he is waiting for/depending on Bo Le and only then arrives."
PRACTICE: Translate the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
PRACTICE: Put the following into literary Chinese:
1. The reason why I don't love harps is because Bo Ya makes me listen to him.
2. The reason why my entire life I cultivate my conduct () is because Master
Guan for my sake explained it.
3. The reason why it is difficult to govern the state for the sake of the people is
because the people do not know loyalty or filial piety.
4. The reason why you do not yourself wait for the duke is because Bo Le makes you
play a harp.
5. The reason why I assume that there are not worthy men in the world is because
Confucius is dead.
Vocabulary Hints
(79)(148-1)(87) (31a, L2)(145)
=opposite of (30a, L6)(99)(15-1)
Character List
i. (30)
ii. (2)
iii. (2)
iv. (1)
Lesson 8
VOCABULARY (241-271)
241.
M: qn
J: shin
K: jin
C: chuhn
242.
M: m
J: boku
K: mok
C: muhk
Majestic, reverent.
This character is relatively rare, but it can be found frequently in posthumous titles.
Radical 115 ().
241a. M: qn m gng
C: chuhn muhk gng
J: shin boku k
243.
suhng
M: chng
J: sh , nameru , katsute
K: sang
C:
245.
M: jn
J: shun
K: jun
C: jeun
Swift.
As the radical suggests, this character often describes fast horses. Radical 187 ().
246.
M: m
J: me , ba , ma , uma
K: ma
C: mah
Horse.
Radical 187 ().
247.
M: y
K: i
C: yh
248.
C: saat
M: sh
K: sal , swae
To kill.
Radical 79 (, spear, to kill).
249.
M: gng
J: ky , tomo
K: gong
C: guhng
Together; both.
Synonym: (193). Radical 12 ().
251.
M: ru
J: niku
K: yuk
C: yuhk
Meat, flesh.
Radical 130 ().
252.
M: wi
J: i , iu
K: wi
C: waih
253.
M: zh
J: sho , moro
K: je
C: jy
254.
M: ji
K: gae
C: gai
All, every.
Radical 81 (, to compare).
255.
M: j
J: ku , osoreru
K: gu
C: geuih
256.
M: j
J: soku , sunawachi
K: jeuk
C: jk
257.
M: c
K: cha
C: chi
258.
M: cn
To be ashamed.
Radical 61 ().
J: zan , hajiru
K: cham
C: chahm
259.
M: j
K: geo
C: gui
260.
M: sn
J: san , mitsu
K: sam
C: sam
261.
M: nin
J: nen , toshi
K: nyeon
C: nhn
Year.
Radical 51 (, shield, to oppose).
262.
M: jn
J: shin
K: jin
C: jeun
263.
M: wi
J: i , kakomu
K: wi
C: wih
1. To surround, to besiege. *
2. Hand-span (measurement of circumference).
Meaning #2 refers to the habit of judging the circumference of a round object by
using the length of an extended hand, from tip of little finger to tip of thumb, as a
unit of measure. Radical 31 ().
141a.
M: wng sh
J: ji
K: wang si
C: whng sh
J: s , sh , ai
K: sang
C:
26
M: n
J: on
K: eun
C: yn
266.
M: y
J: i
K: ui
C: yh
267.
M: su
K: su
C: seuih
1. Then, thereupon. *
2. To follow, to pursue.
With (196-1) and (11a Lesson 6), is one of the most common words
indicating the temporal sequence of events. Radical 162 ().
268.
gwe
M: ku
C: ki
K:
269.
K: jol
270.
seung
M: shng
C: sing
K:
271.
M: hu
K: hoek
C: wohk
To catch, to obtain.
Synonym: (13). Also, like , can be used with another verb, to be able to.
Radical 94 ().
65a.
M: hu gng
J: kei k
K: hye gong
C: waih gng
COMMENTARY
8.1. Causatives with double objects: In 4.3, we saw that sometimes verbs can be
used causatively, the duke had him drink." In 5.1, we saw that could be
used to create a pivot structure, the duke caused him to/made him
drink ale." In line 3 of this lesson's text, we see which shows that the
causative use can take a double object""had them drink ale."
8.2. Suppressed coverb-objects: In 1.5, 1.6, and 4.2, we saw how "coverbs" (in those
cases, and ) functionedthey usually come before the main verb (though
sometimes after; see 1.6) and are followed by a "coverb-object":
The horse killed the duke with its hoofs (lit., feet).
It is with an army that Viscount Jian besieges the state of Lu.
Duke Mu killed the horses for the sake of his troops.
In each of these sentences, the coverb is followed by its object: , , .
If the coverb-object is understood, one might think that it would be replaced by the
object pronoun and that does happen:
The troops were unable to eat, so Duke Mu killed the horses
for them.
However, it is much more typical for the coverb-object to disappear altogether, to
be "suppressed":
The horse put out its hoofs and killed the duke with them.
Viscount Jian raised troops and besieged the state of Lu with
them.
Other examples:
You love to eat fish; I'll catch them for you.
The duke cultivates kindness and justice and by means of them
governs the people.
Now look at two sentences from our lesson text:
PRACTICE: Translate the following (do each sentence two ways~with a coverb
interpretation and with an in order to interpretation):
1.
2.
3.
4.
PRACTICE: Put the following into literary Chinese:
1. Confucius said to the duke, If horses fear each other, then () they will flee."
2. The soldiers finally succeeded in attacking Lu, and, by means of that, they killed
the I ruler who was strumming a harp.
3. To defeat the army and break the siegethis is what I hope for.
4. Although the men together ate the horse, I was just then () ashamed of it.
5. Duke Mu commanded that if there were people who ate his escaped horses, he r
would kill them one by one (lit., in sequence").
6. Why are the people ashamed? They are unable to repay my lord's kindness of the
past.
7. The ministers together planned, and by means of that, they solved the difficulty.
8. After three years went by, Jin immediately sent people to present Confucius with
a horse. Confucius said to them, I have lost a horse before; I am unable to value
them. Please return it to the duke."
Vocabulary Hints
(127)(144)(152)(203)(201)
(132)(117)(108)(86)(80)
(26-1)(13-2)(186)(50-2)(80)
(145)(27-2)(14)
Character List
i. (24)
ii. (6)
iv. (1)
Lesson 9
VOCABULARY (272307)
272.
M: m
J: bi , mi , iya
K: mi
C: mih
Increasingly.
Synonym: (47-3). Here, is part of a two-character surname. Radical 57 ().
273.
M: xi
J: ka , kizu
K: ha
C: hh
272a.
M: m z xi
J: bishi ka
K: mi ja ha
C: mih j hh
274.
J: ei
M: wi
K: wi
C: waih
275.
M: f
J: h , nori
K: beop
C: faat
276.
M: qi
K: jeol
C: sit
277.
M: ji
J: ka , ga
K: ga
C: ga
278.
M: j
J: sha , kuruma
K: cha , geo
C: gui
279.
J: getsu
M: yu
K: wol
C: yuht
280.
J: bo , haha
M: m
K: mo
C: muh
Mother.
Radical 80 ().
281
C: jaht
M: j
K: jil
282
M: y
J: ya , yo , yoru
K: ya
C: yeh
283.
M: go
J: koku , tsugeru
K: go
C: gou
284.
M: shn
J: sen , hoshiimama
K: cheon
C: sihn
285.
M: g
J: ko , yue
K: go
C: gu
286.
M: fn
K: beom
C: faahn
287.
M: yu
J: y , yu , asobu , asobi
K: yu
C: yuh
288. M: gu
C: gw
K: gwa
289.
M: yun
J: en , sono
K: won
C: yhn
Garden.
What would be the best translation of in English? Radical 31 ().
290.
M: to
J: t , momo
K: do
C: tuh
291.
M: gn
K: gam
C: gm
292.
M: fng
J: h , bu , tatematsuru
K: bong
C: fuhng
293.
M: wng
J: b , wasureru
K: mang
C: mhng
To forget.
Radical 61 ().
294.
M: ku
J: ku , k , kuchi
K: gu
C: hu
Mouth, opening.
This character can also be used as a measure word for people (like many mouths
to feed" in English). Radical 30 ().
295.
M: wi
Taste; to taste.
Radical 30 ().
J: mi , ajiwau , ajiwai
K: mi
C: mi
296. M: j
C: kahp
K: geup
297.
M: s
K: saek
C: sk
298.
M: shui
J: sui , otoroeru
K: soe
C: sui
299.
M: ch
K: i
C: chh
13a. M: d zu y
C: dk jeuih y
J: tsumi wo X ni uru X
K: deuk joe eo
The phrase as used in this lesson's text does not necessarily imply that an actual
crime is committed; in this case, Mizi Xia losing his looks was offensive enough to
the king.
300.
M: jio
J: ky
K: gyo
C: gu
301.
M: y
J: yo , amari , amaru
K: yeo
C: yh
302.
M: wi
J: mi , imada
K: mi
C: meih
303.
M: b
J: hitsu , kanarazu
K: pil
C: bt
302a.
meih bt
M: wi b
J: kanarazushimo -nai -
K: mi pil
304.
M: bin
K: byeon
C: bin
C:
305.
M: ch
K: cho
C: ch
306.
M: qin
K: jeon
C: chhn
307.
M: zng
J: z , nikumu
K: seung
C: jng
To hate, to detest.
Radical 61 ().
COMMENTARY
9.1. Cultural note: It was common for rulers in ancient China to keep sexual
favorites, and such favorites often acquired considerable power over political
policies. It was also rather typical for rulers' tastes to run to the bisexual.
Homosexual activity was not frowned on per se; rather, philosophers and statesmen
often criticized rulers' overindulgence in sexual activity in general. This particular
anecdote's purpose is really to stress the unreliability of royal favor bestowed on the
basis of physical attraction.
This story became one of the most famous early stories of homosexuality in the
Chinese tradition, and it is often alluded to in later literature. To be fond of the
leftover peach" became a kind of euphemism to suggest a person's predilections.
9.2. Passive structures with : In 2.5, I discussed the concept of the passive
voice," and I said that literary Chinese had certain definite ways of indicating it.
Here is the first one we have found in any of our texts:
Passive subject + passive verb + + actor.
In other words, follows the verb, turns it into a passive verb, and is followed by
the person or thing that is carrying out the action. This means that should be
translated as "by" in these circumstances:
Mizi Xia was loved by the Lord of Wei.
The horse was eaten by the people of Qin.
The duke governs the people and the people are governed by
the duke.
ConfUcius was trusted by Zengzi.
Be careful, thoughjust because a sentence has , it doesn't mean that the
sentence will be passive. Only read it passively if that is the interpretation that
makes the most sense.
9.3. Passive structures with : This is yet another way of indicating the passive
voice. Scholars speculate that this verb ("to see [183]) came to have this function
from the idea that actions are seen to take place.
The duke was killed.
Perhaps this type of sentence started out with stress on the observation of the
action: The duke was seen to be killed. Soon, however, it simply became a
grammatical marker for the passive voice. You'll probably find this pattern annoying,
because you'll discover more often in its simpler verbal sense of "to see." Other
examples:
The peach was eaten; the bird was captured; the carriage was stolen; kindness was
forgotten; the siege was broken.
Note that this pattern, unlike the one described in 9.2, does not allow the writer to
express who or what is carrying out the action. However, sometimes a writer will
use both patterns if he wants to place special emphasis:
Confucius' words are honored by the knights of the world.
PRACTICE: Put the following into literary Chinese, using whichever passive pattern
works for the sentence:
1. Bo Ya's harp was heard by his mother.
2. The bird was killed in the field.
3. Filial piety is practiced in the state of Qin. 4.1 once was abandoned by my uncle.
5. When the state was attackedthe ruler's carriage was stolen by the troops.
6. The lonely husband was laughed at by the people of Zhao.
9.4. Putative verb usages: In 4.3, I described special "causative" verb uses:
The duke had/made Guan Zhong drink.
There is another special usage of verbs, called the "putative" usage. This is most
common with stative or adjective verbs (2.4). In this usage, the subject imputes
the qualities of the verb to some person or thing.
The lord thought Mizi Xia worthy.
ConfUcius found Zengzi difficult ("troublesome").
A filial son puts his father first.
Putative uses are not arbitrary, and they tend to occur more with certain verbs than
with others. You'll get more and more used to them as you encounter them.
Sometimes putative usage becomes just as common as the original usage. For
example, (81) became so common in its putative sense ("to consider valuable" =
to value, to esteem") that readers probably no longer sense that it represents a
special usage.
Note the way that the putative use combines with the passive pattern of 9.3 in the
phrases in line 6 of our lesson text:
The fact that he was formerly considered to be worthy and
afterwards received punishment.
9.5. Various usages of : This is probably the most common character in literary
Chinese that indicates reason or motive. Often it can simply be used as an adverb,
indicating deliberately or with a purpose." In line 5 of this lesson's text, we have
the phrase , where is used as a rude pronoun: This [fellow]
deliberately once drove my carriage under false pretenses."
There are more important examples of , however; this lesson gives two of them:
For the reason of his mother, he committed a foot- chopping
crime."
In this particular use of the pattern X(), is operating in its coverb function,
for the reason of' (but may also be implying the sense for the sake of'). is the
object of the coverb, modified by mother.Even more common is the pattern
X by means of the reason of X." It is more or less identical in meaning to
the former pattern:
For the reason of practicing benevolence, Confucius traveled
to Qi.
For the reason that Mizi Xias beauty faded, the lord hated
him.
The second common use of is to indicate consequence of an action or event; it
occurs at the beginning of a phrase and is translated as "consequently" or
"therefore." Sometimes will occur as the beginning of the author's summation of
the moral or consequences of the story; when the author of the lesson text above
writes in the middle of line 5, he means therefore, we can say that or
"therefore, the moral is .
PRACTICE: Translate the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. o
10.
11.
12.
Vocabulary Hints
(177) (141) (127) (229) (60)
Character List
i. (4)
ii. (6)
iii. (4)
Lesson 10
??
Note: Though this story does occur in s , I have decided to use an earlier
version of the narrative here, found in the , The Annals of Master Yan.
VOCABULARY (308-345)
308.
M: yn
J: an
K: an
C: aan
308a
Master Yan.
M: yn z
J: anshi
K: an ja
C: aan j
A famous Chinese statesman. He was active in the late sixth century B.C.E. As we
shall see later in the lesson text, his personal name was .
J: sh , masa ni
K: jang
C:
310.
M: ch
J: so
K: cho
C: ch
J: , kimi
K: wang
C: whng (1);
1. King, prince. *
2. To take the throne, to declare oneself king, to rule as a king.
Note that the rulers of had already usurped" the title of king (see 4.1). They had
been calling themselves king since 706 B.C.E. In imperial times, emperors
generally granted the males of their family the title of ; in such cases, it is
customary to translate their titles as "prince" rather than king Radical 96 ().
312.
Left.
M: zu
J: sa , hidari
K: jwa
C: j
313.
J: y , u , migi
M: yu
K: u
C: yauh
Right.
Radical 30 ().
312a.
M: zu yu
J: say
K: jwa u
C: j yauh
Retainers, courtiers.
This common term for the ruler's supporters obviously derives from its locational
meaning j (lit., [people] to the left and right").
314.
M: yng
J: ei
K: yeong
C: yng
1. Baby, infant.
2. To surround, to enclose.
This character is fairly obscure; here, it is used as a personal name. Radical 38 ().
315.
M: x
J: sh , narau , narai
K: seup
C: jaahp
316.
M: c
J: ji , jisuru , inamu
K: sa
C: chh
317.
J: rai , kuru
M: li
K: lae , nae
C: lih
To come.
Radical 9 ().
318.
yuhk
M: r
K: yok
C:
To humiliate; humiliation.
Radical 161 ().
184a.
M: h y
J: nani wo motte
K: ha i
C: hh yh
319.
M: f
J: baku , shibaru
K: bak
C: bok
321.
M: do
J: t , nusumu
K: do
C: douh
322.
M: hn
J: kan , takenawa
K: gam
C: hhm
323.
M: l
J: ri
K: li
C: leih
324.
M: r
J: ni , futatsu
K: i
C: yih
325. M: y
C: ngaih
K: ye
326.
K: gal
C: hot
This character seems to be a variant of the common question word (184), though
scholars aren't sure about the original differences between the meanings of the two
characters. Radical 73 ().
327.
M: sh
J: shi , miru
K: si
C: sih
328. M: g
C: gu
K: go
1. Definitely, assuredly. *
2. Stubbornly; firm, unyielding.
Sometimes writers will use (285) as a substitute for this character. Radical 31 ().
329.
M: b
J: hi , yokeru , sakeru
K: pi
C: beih
330.
M: x J: seki , mushiro
K: seok
C: jihk
Straw mat (for sitting), place, seat [at a banquet or other formal occasion].
Radical 53 (, trailing hemp).
329a.
M: b x
J: seki o sakeru
K: pi seok
C: beih jihk
331.
M: j
J: kitsu , tachibana
K: gyul
C: gwt
332.
M: hui
J: wai
K: hoe
C: waih
333.
M: nn
J: nan , minami
K: nam
C: nahm
South; southern.
Radical 24 ().
334.
M: bi
J: hoku , kita
K: buk
C: bk
North; northern.
Radical 21 (, spoon).
335.
M: zh
J: shi , karatachi
K: ji
C: j
The zhi fruit (a kind of bitter, medicinal orange, with thick skin); the zhi tree.
Radical 75 ().
336.
M: y
J: y , ha
K: yeop
C: yihp
337.
C: tuh
M: t
K: do
1. Only, merely. *
2. In vain, uselessly.
3. Disciple; follower; foot soldier.
4. [Suffix for one who engages in a certain occupation or pastime; for example:,
gambler.]
Note that the meanings of this character broadly divide between adverbial (#1 and
#2) and noun (#3 and #4) uses. Radical 60 ().
338.
M: s
J: ji , niru
K: sa
C: chh
To resemble, to imitate.
Radical 9 ().
339.
M: sh
K: sil
C: saht
340.
M: tng
J: d , onaji
K: dong
C: thng
78a.
M: su y
J: yuen
K: so i
C: s yh
341.
M: t
J: to , do , tsuchi
K: to
C: tu
342.
M: y
J: i , kotonaru , ayashimu
K: i
C: yih
1. Different; difference. *
2. To differentiate, to tell apart.
3. Strange, peculiar, extraordinary.
4. To consider strange.
Though all the meanings of this character are related (something too "different"
may seem "strange"), be careful to distinguish the various usagesin particular, the
two verbs (meanings #2 and #4). Radical 102 ().
344.
M: y
J: u
K: u
C: y
[Multipurpose preposition.]
This character is used interchangeably with (11). Radical 7 (, "two").
13b.
M: d w
K: deuk mu
C: dk muh
345.
M: y
J: ya , ja , ya , ka
K: ya
C: yh
COMMENTARY
10.1. Cultural note: diplomatic missions. In the multistate system of pre-imperial
China, diplomacy was a well-developed and sophisticated art (the ancient art of
oratory largely developed out of it). Because diplomacy was often a matter of honor,
a ruler could score points if he succeeded in humiliating a talented diplomat or
rendering him speechless. This explains the king's eagerness to shame .
10.2. Temporal clauses and nominalizing with : How does literary Chinese indicate
a temporal clause? In some cases (as you might expect by now), the writer will
leave it up to context. In other cases, he might use the pattern ()X ,
at the time of the mulberry harvest" (see Lesson 6).
Here, we have a new way to indicate a temporal clausesimply end the "when"
phrase with an emphatic particle. Sometimes you might "nominalize" the phrase
as well. We've already seen how to nominalize a phrase with in 7.4. Here,
however, nominalization is done in a different way, which may require some
explanation:
=Confucius comes
The standard pattern is to insert a possessive particle in between the subject and
the rest of the sentence. What writers are really doing when they nominalize like
this is to put the action at the front of the sentence as a topic for discussion: As for
Confucius' coming; As for the duke's attacking a neighboring state; and As
for the king's planting an orange tree ....
There is another detail of this sort of nominalization that you need to understand.
Remember that literary Chinese usually doesn't bother to express a third person
subject pronoun, but it lets the context decide instead, as follows:
The duke attacks a neighboring state.
state.
He attacks a neighboring
This leads to a problem: if you want to nominalize the second sentence, where can
you put a particle when there's no subject? One cannot simply say
However, since is a possessive third person pronoun, it can be considered
equivalent to an unspoken third person subject pronoun + : Thus, , the
duke's horse"; , his horse. That being the case, then nominalized sentences
with a missing subject can use :
=she comes
3. When the people left the city, the king could again () drive his carriage.
4. When she gave birth to her son, the king was delighted and held a banquet.
5. When he was about to disband the army, Zhao troops attacked and overcame
him.
10.3. Literary Chinese uses of These are rather different from the phrase's use
in modern Mandarin, so pay close attention.
In 3.3, we saw how the particle worksit is placed in front of a verb and indicates
the thing that receives the action of the verb. Thus, we have , to kill, and ,
that which is killed. is similar; but note that is placed in front of a coverb,
rather than a verb. This means that indicates the thing that receives the action
of the coverb (i.e., the object of the coverb). If this usage is not clear yet, think of it
this way:
The horse killed the king with its hoofs.
then should indicate the thing that was used, that is, the hoofs. Just as is
that which is killed, is the means by which the king is killed. And if
is that which the horse killed, then is the means by which the
horse killed the king.
I hope this use will be made clearer if we turn a series of sentences with into a
series of XY (6.3) sentences. You might consider this practice a variant of what
we did in 6.4:
The king humiliated Master Yan with a robber.
The means by which the king humiliated Master Yan was a
robber.
Mizi Xia fed his lord with a peach.
That with which Mizi Xia fed his lord was a peach.
The minister pursued the king by carriage.
The means by which the minister pursued the king was a
carriage.
These patterns often sound rather artificial and stilted in English, but they work
quite naturally in Chinese.
Vocabulary Hints
(140-2) (102-1) (200) (212-1) (201)
(123) (144-1) (134-2) (159) (25-2)
(153) (264-1) (295) (231-1) (87)
(125)
Character List
i. (27)
ii. (4)
iii. (3(
iv. (4)
3.
9.2-9.3: Passives:
1. []
2. (two possibilities)
3-
10.3: sentences:
1. ,
2.
3. ,
Unit 2
LESSONS 11-18
We will read the first four biographies; unfortunately, the last and most
famous, that of Jing Ke , is far too long to manage in an introductory class
(it is somewhat longer than the other four combined).
Lesson 11
Assassin-Retainers:
VOCABULARY (346-392)
346.
M: co
J: s K: jo
C: chuh
1. Cao. [a surname]*
2. [An informal plural suffix, usually added to the second person.]
Radical 73 ().
347.
M: m
J: matsu
K: mal
C: mut
Froth, foam.
Here, this character is a personal name. Radical 85 ().
346a.
M: co m
J: s matsu
K: jo mal
C: chuh mut
348.
M: yng
J: y , isamashii
K: yong
C: yhng
349.
M: l
J: ryoku , chikara
K: lyeok
C: lihk
350. M: zhung
J: s
K: jang
C: jng
1. Serious, grave.
2. Zhuang. [a surname]
Here, this character is used as a posthumous title. Radical 140 ().
350a.
gng
M: zhung gng
J: s k
K: jang gong
C: jng
J: k , konomu , suku
K: ho
352.
K: jeon
M: zhn
C: jin
353.
baaih
M: bi
To be defeated; to defeat.
K: pae
C:
353a.
M: bi bi
J: haiboku
K: pae buk
C: baaih bk
To be defeated.
Notice the distinctive usage of ; this function of the character is relatively
rare and is most often found in this compound.
354.
M: d
J: chi , ji , tsuchi
K: ji
C: deih
355.
M:h
J: ka , wa , wasuru
K: hwa
C: wh
356.
M: yu
J: y , yu , nao
K: yu
C: yuh
1. Still, persistently. *
2. To be like, to resemble.
This character is quite common in both meanings. Radical 94 ().
357.
M: x
J: kyo , ko , yurusu
K: heo
C: hui
358.
K: hoe
359.
J: ka
M: k
K: ga
C:
Handle, branch.
Here, this character functions as a place-name. Radical 75 ().
360.
J: mei , chikau
M: mng
K: maeng
C: mhng
361.
M: j
J: ki , sude ni
K: gi
C: gei
362.
M: tn
J: dan
K: dan
C: tahn
363.
, etc.
M: shng
K: sang
J: j , sh , ue , agaru , noboru
C: seuhng
On top of, above, at the front of; to go up, to offer up; superiors.
Antonym: (51). Radical 1 ().
364.
M: zh
To grasp, to hold.
Radical 32 ().
J: shitsu , sh , toru
K: jip
C: jp
365.
M: b
J: hi , saji
K: bi
C: beih
Spoon, ladle.
Here, however, the meaning of the character is subordinated to the
compound 365a. Radical 21 ().
366.
M: shu
J: shu , kubi
K: su
C: su
Head, neck.
Here, however, the meaning of the character is subordinated to the
compound 365a. Radical 185 ().
365a.
beih su
M: b shu
J: hishu , aikuchi
K: bi su
C:
Dagger.
This term is an idiomatic compound, with its component characters not
explicitly connected to its meaning.
367. M: ji
C: gip
J: k , g , ky , obiyakasu
K: geop
368. M: m
C: mohk
K: mak
1. No one.*
2. Don t.[imperative]
Be careful using this character! Technically it functions as an adverb, and it is
often preceded by a defining group of people. For example, in this lesson's
text we have:, Among the retainers, no one. Other examples:
, Of the dukes, no one attacked Qi"; , Of the soldiers, no one
wanted to kill him. In later imperial prose, the imperative usage becomes
fairly common. Radical 140 ().
369.
duhng
M: dng
J: d , ugoku , ugokasu
K: dong
C:
370.
M: wn
K: mun
C: mahn
To ask, to inquire.
Radical 30 ().
371.
kuhng
M: qing
J: ky , g , tsuyoi
K: gang
C:
372.
M: ru
J: jaku , yowai
K: yak
C: yeuhk
373.
M: qn
J: shin , okasu
K: chim
C: chm
375.
M: chng
J: j , sei , shiro
K: seong
C: shng
376. M: hui
K: goe
377. M: y
ap
C: aat
K:
378.
M: jng
J: ky , kei , sakai
K: gyeong
C: gng
379.
M: t
J: to , zu , hakaru
K: do
C: tuh
380.
M: tu
J: t , tjiru , nageru
K: tu
C: tuh
381.
myeon
K:
382.
K: gun
Flock, assembly.
This character is also written . Like (253), it often serves as a prefix to a
noun and makes the noun plural. Radical 123 ().
383.
M: wi
J: i , kurai
K: wi
C: waih
384.
M: yn
J: gan , kao
K: an
C: ngahn
384a. M: yn s
C: ngahn sk
J: ganshoku , kaoiro
K: an saek
316a.
M: c lng
J: jirei
Language, speech.
This term is an idiomatic compound.
K: sa ryeong
C: chh lihng
129a.
yh gu
M: r g
J: moto no gotoshi
K: yeo go
C:
As before, as previously.
This phrase is a very common idiom, and it always comes at the end of the
sentence.
385.
J: bai , somuku
M: bi
K: bae
C: pih
1. Double.
2. To renege on, to reject. *
Meaning #2 (used here) is an uncommon meaning of this word; meaning #1
is the standard and should be learned as such. Radical 9 ().
386.
M: yu
J: yaku , yakusuru
K: yak
C: yeuk
387.
tam
M: tn
K: tam
C:
To covet, to be greedy.
Radical 154 ().
388.
M: l
J: ri , risuru , kiku
K: li
C: leih
389.
kwae
M: kui
C: faai
To be happy, to be delighted.
Synonym:(46). Radical 61 ().
K:
390.
M: hu
J: k
K: hu
C: huh
"Marquis"
A feudal title in ancient China. See 4.1. Radical 9 ().
253a.
M: zh hu
J: shok
K: je hu
C: jy huh
391.
J: en , tasukeru
M: yun
K: won
C: whn
392.
C: got
M: g
K: hal
COMMENTARY
11.1. Standard biography openings: The set the pattern for the opening
of a biographyan XY sentence giving a simple description of the person
in question. X is usually marked by the particle , which here has no
meaning save to emphasize. It is equivalent to saying in English the Cao Mo
in question or Cao Mo (the man I wish to talk about) It is best not to
translate the particle.
11.2. Note that in line 2 is a place-name, Sui Town. When the character
reappears in line 8, however, it has gone back to its basic meaning of
then (267-1). One of the most difficult skills in reading literary Chinese is
recognizing when a character is being used in a place-name. Often a place
suffix such as is attached, to aid the reader.
11.3. Sentences with : In Lesson 7 (18a) we saw used as a twocharacter verb meaning to assume. This usage actually grows out of a
more complicated pattern, best described as X Y, by means of X make
Y or to take X and make it Y." This pattern is used in two basic ways:
First, to represent an actual action:
The people made the wise man king.
The duke appointed Mizi Xia high minister.
The fish made the water its home. (Note that this last example
can also be translated in the way we have seen before: The fish took some
water to make its home.
Second, to represent an assumption (often but not always incorrect):
The King of Chu took the man of Qi for a thief.
The Lord of Lu thinks Cao Mo is a good general. This pattern
is a way of expressing more clearly the "putative" usage of verbs mentioned
in 9.4.
BEWARE: Note that a sentence using this pattern and suppressing the coverbobject (8.2) will result in
The Lord of Lu made [him] a general / assumed [he] was a
general. This usage helped create the conception of as a two-character
verb (see 18a, Lesson 7). As is typical with classical sentence patterns, rely
on the context for interpretation!
PRACTICE: Translate the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
11.6. Modal use of : In line 5, we have the first example of the "modal
adverb" use of (73-2). In this context, the character should
probably be interpreted as a polite imperative: "My lord, you should consider
it." In questions, it tends to be used when a positive response is expected: For
example, , "The lord is considering it, isn't he?"
Vocabulary Hints
(139) (76-2) (309-3) (255) (154)
(143) (344) (175) (29-3) (230-2)
(266) (200) (256-1) (28-2) (73-2)
(185) (235) (80) (133-1) (304)
(49) (122, L4) (190-2) (119) (110-1)
(52) (4a, L4) (191-3) (11a, L6) (244)
(156-1)
Character List
i. (31)
ii. (9)
iii. (5)
iv. (2)
Lesson 12
Assassin-Retainers:(1)
VOCABULARY (393-429)
Note: A good many of the new characters in this lesson are merely
components of personal names. Though you may want to learn the
characters anyway, you will not have to know them thoroughly yet.
73a.
M: q hu
J: sono ato
K: gi hu
After this.
A fairly common time-sequence word.
393.
M: li
J: roku
K: yuk
J: j
K: sip
luhk
Six.
Radical 12 ().
394.
M: sh
C: sahp
Ten.
Radical 24 ().
395
Seven.
M: q
J: shichi
K: chil
C: cht
C: kih hauh
Radical 1 ().
396.
J: go
M: w
K: o
C: gh
397.
J: sen
M: zhun
K: jeon
C: jyn
397a.
J: sen sho
M: zhun zh
K: jeon je
C: jyn jy
398.
J: d
M: tng
K: dang
C: thng
399.
M: w
J: go
K: o
C: gh
400.
M: x
J: sho
K: seo
C: sui
To assist, to aid.
Here the character is part of a personal name. Radical 130 ().
399a.
j
M: w z x
J: go shisho
K: o ja seo
C: gh
401.
M: lio
J: ry K: lyo
C: luh
Companion, colleague.
[Here, this character is the name of a king of (r. 526-515 B.C.E.). Perhaps
because the kings were considered slightly exotic or foreign, the refers
to them in a different manner,"the king of Wu, Liao, rather than the
more typical . Radical 9.()
K:
1. To persuade. *
2. To take pleasure in, to enjoy; to be happy.
3. Speech, discourse, story.
The three major definitions of this character are all pronounced differently in
modern Mandarin. Meaning #1 is used slightly differently in literary Chinese
than in English, in that it represents an attempt being made to persuade, but
not necessarily its success (in other words, it must often be translated as
"tried to persuade," as in our lesson text here). In meaning #2, this character
is being used for the more proper (748). Meaning #3 has occurred in the
title of the text source for Unit 1, the Garden of Stories . Radical 149 ().
104b.
M: gng z
J: kshi
K: gong ja
C: gng j
Prince.
Even though this term literally means son of a duke," it came to apply to all
princes in general.
403.
M: gung
J: k
K: gwang
C: gwng
Light, brilliance.
Here, this character is the name of a prince of .Radical 10 ().
404.
M: b
J: hi , kare , kano
K: pi
C: bi
405.
J: in
M: yun
K: won
C: yhn
Personnel, member.
Here, this character is the personal name of ; for naming habits, see
12.3. Radical 30().
406.
M: xing
J: ky , kei , ani
K: hyeong
407.
M: s
J: shi
K: sa
C: s
408.
M: chu
J: sh , ada
K: su
C: chuh
409.
To stop.
M: zh
J: shi
K: ji
C: j
C: hng
Radical 77 ().
410.
M: ni
K: nae
C: noih
411.
M: wi
J: gai , soto
K: oe
C: ngoih
413.
M: fn
J: han
K: beon
C: fahn
253b.
M: zh fn
J: shohan
K: je beon
C: jy fahn
414.
M: d
K: je
C: daih
Little brother.
This character constrasts with (406). Radical 57 ().
K: je
301a.
J: yosai
M: y zhi
K: yeo je
C: yh jaai
416.
J: i , ebisu
M: y
K: i
C: yh
417.
M: mi
J: mai , batsu
K: mae
C: muih
416a.
M: y mi
J: ibatsu
K: i mae
C: yh muih
418.
M: j
J: ki
K: gye
C: gwai
419.
M: zh
J: satsu
K: chal
C: jaat
418a.
gwai j jaat
M: j z zh
J: kishi satsu
K: gye ja chal
C:
420.
lahp
M: l
K: lip
C:
214b.
M: ti z
J: taishi
K: tae ja
C: taai j
To be willing, to wish.
Radical 130 ().
J: sa , ja
K: ya
(1); sa
(2)
C: yh
424.
jn
M: zhn
K: jeong
C:
426.
M: s
J: shi , tsugu
K: sa
C: jih
428.
M: yng
J: y , yashinau
K: yang
C: yuhng
429.
M: k
J: kyaku
K: gaek
C: haak
COMMENTARY
12.1. Historical background: and . The early textual tradition of China
tends to center around the Yellow River valley; other parts of China, in
particular the Yangtze River valley, gradually entered into the cultural
awareness of the northerners. Though these regions beyond the Yellow River
adopted northern ways over time, they still retained many elements of their
own cultures.
The most powerful state in the south was Chu (first mentioned in Lesson
10), which consisted mostly of the modern province of Hubei. Gifted with
great natural resources and an almost unlimited frontier into which to
expand, its wealth and ambitions often appeared threatening to its northern
neighbors. was particularly indifferent to the dynastic claims of the house
of Zhou . As I mentioned before, the rulers of were calling themselves
kings as early as 706 B.C.E.
was soon faced with a rival, however, the Yangtze delta state of Wu . It
entered the Chinese cultural sphere even later than , and its "foreign"
nature can still be detected in the odd names of its rulers (which may be
northern sinicizations of non-Chinese words). The animosity between the two
states came to a head in the 520s, when the talented statesman Wu Zixu
fled to after his father and older brother were executed by the king
during a struggle over the succession. then attempted to convince to
attack and, as Prince of suggests in this lesson's text, s motive
was largely private revenge for his family.
For a translation of the biography of , see Stephen Owen, An
Anthology of Chinese Literature, pp. 88-96. The account of told here and
in Lesson 13 gives some details mentioned only briefly in the
biography (see Owen, Anthology, p. 91); they tell of how uses to
help usurp the throne of .
12.3. Naming habits: In traditional China, most men had at least two names
a personal name and a polite name . It was generally considered rude
to refer to a living person by his , either to his face or in the third person.
Although naming practices in pre-imperial China were somewhat irregular, it
is likely that was a polite name, whereas , later used rudely by the
king, was a personal name (although the generally names people by
their ). Names could also be used as substitutes for first and second person
pronouns; a could be used as a polite substitution for you, and a could
be used as a rude form of address to someone below oneself socially. Most
common, however, is the use of a as a first person designation for oneself.
12.7. (l. 8): Although there are early legends that tell of princes
who fled a country altogether rather than take its throne, flee here seems
to mean that simply refused rulership. In the next lesson text he is
described as going on a diplomatic mission for the state. The entire account
herewith the elaborate plan to hand rule off to a succession of brothersmay
very well reflect folk-story origins rather than historical fact.
12.8. (l. 9): Note the new use of , "if, supposing," to introduce
hypothetical situations. This usage is still found in the modern language term
. The meaning is probably derived from the original meaning "to send, to
make": in other words, "Making such-and-such true, the consequence would
be.
Vocabulary Hints
(75) (261) (244) (129-2) (162)
(361) (183-3) (202) (388) (254)
(26-2) (213) (302) (257) (229)
(269-1) (142) (344) (90) (187-3)
(140-3) (303) (243-1) (70) (152)
(239)
Character List
i. (27)
ii. (3)
iii. (4)
iv. (3)
Lesson 13
Assassin-Retainers:(2)
VOCABULARY (430-482)
430.
M: ji
J: ky
K: gu
C: gu
Nine.
Radical 5 (, curved, hook).
310a.
wang
M: ch png wng J: so hy
C: ch phng whng
K: cho pyeong
432.
M: chn
J: shun , haru
K: chun
C: chun
J: s , mo
K: sang
C: song (1);
434.
M: gi
J: gai
K: gae
C: goi
434a.
M: gi y
J: gaiyo
K: gae yeo
C: goi yh
J: shoku
K: sok
(1); chok
(2)
C:
436.
M: yng
J: y
K: yong
C: yhng
435a.
yhng
J: shokuy
M: sh yng
K: sok yong
C: suhk
438.
M: yn
J: en
K: yeon
C: yhn
439.
M: lng
J: ry
K: neung
C: lhng
438a.
lhng
M: yn lng
Yanling. [a place-name]
J: enry
K: yeon neung
C: yhn
440.
M: gun
J: kan , miru
K: gwan
C: gn
441.
M: f
J: hatsu
K: bal
C: faat
442.
M: l
J: ro , michi
K: lo
C: louh
443.
M: qi
J: sho , katsu
K: cha
C: ch
1. Moreover, furthermore. *
2. About to, will.... [future marker]
3. Temporarily, for the time being.
This character is a very common adverb; only meaning #1 occurs in our
texts. Radical 1 ().
444.
M: fi
K: pye
C: fai
To abandon, to discard.
Here, this character is used in the sense of to overthrow" or to depose."
Radical 53 ().
445.
M: lo
J: r , oi , oiru
K: no
C: luh
446.
M: ling
J: ry
K: lyang
C: luhng
1. Both, pair*
2. An ounce of silver (tael).
Meaning #2, though common, does not occur in our texts. Radical 11 ().
447. M: kn
C: kwan
K: gon
449.
M: g
J: kotsu , hone
K: gol
C: gwt
Bone.
Radical 188 ().
450.
M: gng
J: k
K: gyeong
C: gng
Fish bone.
Radical 195 ().
449a.
gng
M: g gng
J: kokk
K: gol gyeong
C: gwt
129b.
yh hh
M: r h
J: ikaga , d , ikani
K: yeo ha
C:
What do you think? What can we do? What s going on? Nothing can be done
about...!
The object of perplexity is often inserted between and . thus
means "there's nothing [they] can do about us" or "there's no one who can do
anything about us.
451.
M: dn J: ton , tomi ni
K: don
C: deuhn
452.
M: s
J: shi
K: sa
C: sei
Four.
Radical 31 ().
453.
M: yu
K: wol
C: yuht
Moon, month.
For the traditional calendar, see 13.1 below. should be translated as the
Fourth Month.
454.
M: bng
J: hei
K: byeong
C: bng
The third of the celestial stems; indicates the third item in a series. See
13.1 below for details on this character. Radical 1 ().
454a.
M: bng z
J: heishi
K: byeong ja
C: bng j
Thirteenth in the 60-item cycle of traditional Chinese dating (see 13.1 below).
455.
M: f
K: bok
C: fuhk
456.
J: kutsu , iwaya
M: k
K: gul
C: gwaht
Cave, cavern.
Radical 116 ().
457
M: sh
J: shitsu , muro
K: sil
C: st
456a.
M: k sh
J: kusshitsu
K: gul sil
C: gwaht st
458.
M: chn
J: chin , tsuraneru
K: jin
C: jahn
459.
gng
M: gng
J: ku , ky , g , miya
K: gung
460.
M: mn
Door, gate.
Radical 169 ().
J: mon , kado
K: mun
C: mhn
C:
461.
M: h
J: ko , to
K: ho
C: wuh
Door.
Radical 63 ().
462.
M: ji
J: kai
K: gye
C: gai
J: hei
K: pye
C: baih
Stairs.
Radical 170 ().
463.
M: b
464.
chn
M: qn
K: chin
C:
465.
M: q
J: soku , seki
K: cheok
C: chk
Relatives, intimates.
usually means relations, but the guests here were probably just people
close to the king. Radical 62 ().
466.
M: ji
J: ky
K: hyeop
C: gaap
467.
J: ji , haberu , jisuru
M: sh
K: si
C: sih
468.
J: ji , motsu
M: ch
K: ji
C: chh
To hold, to grasp.
Synonym: (364). Radical 64 ().
469.
M: p
J: hi
K: pi
C: pi
Double-bladed sword.
This character is very rare and is not the one most commonly used for
sword (for that, see [560]). Radical 167 ().
K: yang
(1);
1. To feign, to pretend. *
2. Carefully, in detail.
This character, in meaning #1, is a common substitute for the character .
Meaning #2, though common, does not occur in our texts. Radical 149 ().
471.
M: zh
J: chi , oku
K: chi
C: ji
To positionto place.
Radical 122 ().
472.
M: zh
J: sha , aburu
To roast; roastedfood.
Radical 86 ().
K: ja , jeok
C: jek
473.
M: f
K: bok
C: fk
Belly, stomach.
Radical 130 ().
474.
J: haku , tsunzaku
M: b
K: byeok
C: maak
475
M: c
J: shi , sasu K: ja
C: chi
To stab.
Radical 18 ().
476.
M: ro
J: j
K: yo
C: yuh
477. M: lun
lan
C: lyuhn
478.
myeol
479.
M: h
J: k
K: hap
C: hahp
K:
K:
480.
M: l
J: ryo
K: lyeo
C: luih
479a.
M: h l
J: kryo
K: hap lyeo
C: hahp luih
481.
M: fng
J: f , h
K: bong
C: fng
482.
M: qng
J: kei , ky
K: gyeong
C: hng
Minister of state.
Radical 26().
COMMENTARY
13.1. Traditional dating: A common way of indicating days and years in
traditional China was to assign each one a two-character designation. The
first character would be one of a set of ten characters termed the "celestial
stems"; the second would be one of a set of twelve termed the "terrestrial
branches." The two groups and their Mandarin pronunciations are as follows:
The ten celestial stems (tiangan ):
The system designates or counts years (or days) by matching the first stem
with the first branch, the second stem with the second branch, and so forth.
When the end of each group is reached, that group starts over again. This
means that the eleventh designation of the cycle will consist of the first stem
and the eleventh branch, the twelfth will consist of the second stem with the
twelfth branch, the thirteenth will consist of the third stem and the first
branch, and so forth. Sixty combinations occur before the cycle repeats itself.
Here is the full cycle, beginning with (and reading left to right
horizontally):
This system is easiest to deal with when years are being designated; since
very early times, years have received stem-and-branch designations, which
have repeated regularly and without interruption every 60 years (the present
cycle began in 1984).
Howeverdays also are designated by the stem-and-branch method, and this
cycle also repeats without end. To calculate what the day is when faced with
a stem-and-branch designation, the historian must resort to dating books.
In our particular text, we are told that the fatal banquet occurred on the
bingzi (i.e., the thirteenth designation of the cycle) day of the fourth
month. The months were lunar in the traditional calendar (with each month
beginning with the new moon, and the full moon occurring in the exact
middle of the month, on the fifteenth). To keep the calendar roughly in sync
with solar cycles, an "intercalary" month was added to the calendar once
every several years. It is unclear which day of the fourth month bingzi would
have been, however, because the stem-and-branch cycle did not sync with
the months (i.e., they didn't start over every time the month changed). It is
also doubtful that the different Chinese states of the pre-imperial period all
synchronized their calendars to one another's, so there is no guarantee that
any date book would give the right day in this particular case. With the
establishment of the Han and Qin dynasties, however, date books were
standardized; those you consult after this period can give reliable data on
when a particular day occurred.
Vocabulary Hints
(196-2) (309-2) (171) (202) (263-1)
(262) (253a, L11) (304) (225) (198)
(11a, L6) (145) (52) (152) (271)
(420-1, 2, 3) (424) (426) (232) (317)
(280) (372) (200) (411) (317) (410)
(203) (366) (32) (179) (107-1)
(15-2) (343-3) (254) (322-1) (166-2)
(281-1) (125) (365a, L11) (412) (306)
(172) (235) (363)
Character List
i. (33)
ii. (12)
iii. (2)
iv. (6)
Lesson 14
Assassin-Retainers: (1)
VOCABULARY (483536)
483.
M: y
J: yo
K: ye
C: yuh
484.
M: rng
J: j , yuzuru
K: yang
C: yeuhng
483a.
M: y rng
J: yo j
K: ye yang
C: yuh yeuhng
485.
M: fn
J: han
K: beom
C: faahn
Fan.
One of the ruling clans of .This character also became a fairly common
surname. Radical 140().
486.
M: sh
J: shi , uji
K: ssi
C: sih
Clan, lineage.
Radical 83 ().
J: chk
K: jung haeng
C:
Zhonghang.
One of the ruling clans of .Note the special pronunciation of .
487.
M: zh
J:chi
K:ji
C: ji
487a.
M: zh b
J: chi haku
K: ji baek
C: ji baak
488.
M: zn
J: son , tattomu
K: jon
489.
M: chng
J: ch
K: chong
C: chng
490.
M: xing
J: j
K: yang
C: sung
C: jyn
490a.
M: xing z
J: j shi
K: yang ja
C: sung j
Viscount Xiang.
Leader of the clan and grandson of (from Lesson 6).
491.
M: hn
J: kan
K: han
C: hhn
Han.
Name of a clan of . Like , this clan survived the partitioning of and
became an independent state. Radical 178 (, tanned leather).
492.
M: wi
J: gi
K: wi
C: ngaih
Wei.
Name of a clan of . also survived the partition and became an
independent state. Radical 194 (, spirit).
493.
M: h
J: g , au , awasu
K: hap
C: hahp
494.
M: zu
J: sai , mottomo
K: choe
C: jeui
Most, -est.
This character is usually used to indicate the superlative degree. Radical 73
().
495.
M: q
J: shitsu , urushi
K: chil
C: cht
496.
tuh
J: t , zu , atama , kbe
M: tu
K: du
C:
1. Head. *
2. [Noun suffix, lacking set meaning.]
This character is commonly used as a noun suffix in more colloquial literary
Chinese; it is used in a similar way in modern Mandarin. Synonym (meaning
#1): (366). Radical 181 ().
497.
M: q
J: ki , utsuwa
K: gi
C: hei
498.
M: dn
J: ton , nogareru
K: dun
499.
M: ji
J: sa , a
K: cha
C: j
To sigh; Alas!
Radical 30 ().
1a.
M: zhj
J: chiki
K: ji gi
C: j gi
C: deuhn
Note that the usage of the phrase here is different from its usage in Lesson 1;
the is not reflexive but refers to the perspective of the person who has the
friend.
500.
M: rng
J: y , katachi
K: yong
C: yhng
501.
M: hn
J: kon , tamashii
K: hon
C: whn
Soul, spirit.
One of the two "souls" every human possesses; this soul goes heavenward
after death.
Radical 194 ().
502.
M: p
J: taku , haku
K: baek
C: paak
Soul, spirit.
This character refers to one of the two "souls" every human possesses; this
soul goes into the earth after death. is a synonym compound for "soul."
Radical 194 ().
503.
M: ku
J: ki , hajiru
K: goe
C: kwih
504.
M: xng
J: sh , sei
K: seong
505.
M: xng
J: kei
K: hyeong
C: yhng
C: sing
506.
M: t
J: to , nuru
K: do
C: tuh
507.
M: c
J: shi , kawaya
K: cheuk
C: chi
508.
M: xi
J: ky , hasamu
K: hyeop
C: hihp
19a. M: xn dng
sm duhng
J: kokoro ugoku
K: sim dong
C:
To be suspicious, to be uneasy.
509.
M: do
J: t , katana
K: do
C: du
510.
M: chu
J: ky , ada , kataki
K: gu
C: suh
511.
J: ch
M: zh
K: ju
C: jy
To execute, to punish.
Radical 149 ().
512.
J: kin , tsutsushimu
M: jn
K: geun
C: gn
To be careful, to be conscientious.
Radical 149 ().
513.
J: shaku , seki
M: sh
K: seok
C: sk
514.
M: qng
J: kei , koro
K: gyeong
C: kng
515.
M: l
J: rei
K: lyeo
C: laih
516.
M: tn
J: don , nomu
K: tan
C: tn
To swallow.
Radical 30 ().
517.
M: tn
J: tan , sumi
K: tan
C: taan
518.
M: y
J: a , oshi
K: a
C:
Mute, hoarse.
Radical 30 ().
519. M: xng
C: yhng
K: hyeong
520.
M: zhung
J: j
K: sang
C: johng
521.
M: q
K: geol
To beg; beggar.
Radical 5 ().
522.
M: sh
J: shi , ichi
K: si
C: sh
C: ht
523.
M: sh
J: shiki
K: sik
C: sk
To recognize, to know.
Radical 149 ().
524.
M: yu
J: y , tomo
K: u
C: yuh
Friend.
Radical 29 ().
525.
M: r
J: jo , nanji , nare
K: yeo
C: yh
526.
M: q
J: ky , naku
K: eup
C: yp
To weep.
Radical 85 ().
527.
M: ci
J: sai
K: jae
C: chih
Talent, ability.
Radical 64 ().
528.
M: wi
J: i , makasu , makaseru
529.
M: zh
J: shitsu
K: jil
C: jt
K: wi
C: wi
would mean something like , that is, to entrust oneself." Radical 154
()
531.
hahng
M: xng
J: k , sachi , saiwai
K: haeng
C:
532.
M: g
J: ko , kaerimiru
K: go
C: gu
533.
M: cn
J: zan , nokoru
K: jan
C: chahn
534.
K: go
M: k
C: f
535. M: hui
hoe
C: waih
K:
324a.
M: r xn
J: nishin
K: i sim
C: yih sm
536. M: j
K: geuk
Extremely, most; end, further extent; to get to the end of, to fathom. Radical
75 ().
COMMENTARY
14.1. (l. 2): "but he had no way to become renowned"literally, "he
did not have fame that was known."
14-2. (l. 3): Though you might be tempted to read this as "After
they destroyed The Earl of Zhi ..., most interpret here to mean
heirs/descendants (53-2). This interpretation fits in with the use of in line 9.
14.4. (l. 8): Here is the first use in our texts of the final sentence
particle (21-2), which is said to be a "fusion" of .Literally meaning "and
14.5.
(ll. 9-11): The point here is that he is disfiguring himself in
order to make himself unrecognizable, and then he tests the alteration with
his wife and friends. Another version of the story, from the Zhanguo ce
(in English Intrigues of the Warring States) tells it a little differently. In that
version, first disfigures himself, but when his wife recognizes him by the
sound of his voice, he then drinks lye to disguise himself further. His friends,
however, still know him.
14.6. (l. 11): We've already seen the rhetorically complex use of
in 5.3 ("It's not the case that..."). However, it is only in this lesson's text that
we see the simplest use of this negativeinserted between X and Y in an XY
sentence, as follows:
You are not Yu Rang.
Note that in our lesson text, this sentence ends with a question particle,
turning it into a rhetorical question:
? Aren't you Yu Rang?
Vocabulary Hints
(301) (261) (262) (76-2) (296-2 & 296-3)
(180) (260-2) (374) (202)
(478) (631) (354) (5) (117)
(90) (402-2) (303) (408) (266)
(304) (125) (459) (365a, L11) (129-2)
(364) (370) (410) (468) (171)
Character List
i. (27)
ii. (17)
iii. (6)
iv. (4)
Lesson 15
Assassin-Retainers:(2)
VOCABULARY (537562)
537.
M: qio
J: ky , hashi
K: gyo
C: kuh
Bridge.
Radical 75 ().
538. M: jng
K: gyeong
adverb. Meaning #4 is a rare usage, but it will occur in Lesson 23. Radical 66
().
541.
M: zhng
J: shu , sh
K: jung
C: jung
541a.
M: zhng rn
J: shjin
K: jung in
C: jung yhn
542.
M: y
J: g , gu , ashirau , au
K: u
C: yuh
114a.
M: zh y
J: ni itari
K: ji eo
C: ji y
57a.
M: gu sh
J: kokushi
543.
M: ku
J: ki
K: wi
C: wi
K: guk sa
C: gwok sih
544.
J: tan , nageku
M: tn
K: tan
C: taan
To sigh.
You may also find this character written .Radical 76 (, lacking).
545.
sk
M: x
K: sik
C:
546.
M: gu
J: ka
K: gwa
C: gw
546a.
M: gu rn
J: kajin
K: gwa in
C: gw yhn
547.
M: sh
J: sha , yurusu
To pardon, to forgive.
Radical 66 ().
K: sa
C: se
549.
M: zh
J: shu , sh , nushi
K: ju
C: jy
550.
M: yn
J: en , u
K: eom
C: ym
551.
M: mi
J: bi , utsukushii
K: mi
C: mih
552.
M: kun
J: kan , hiroi
K: gwan
C: fn
Magnanimous, tolerant.
Radical 40 ().
368a.
M: m b
K: mak bu
C: mohk bt
554.
yuhn
M: yun
K: won
C:
To be willing.
This character is used most often as a polite request word (I am willing to do
that or I am willing for you to do that), similar to (144-1). (It is probably
used with in a synonym compound here.) Radical 181 ().
555.
M: j
J: geki , utsu
K: gyeok
C: gk
556.
M: y
J: i
K: ui
C: yi
557.
M: hn
K: han
C: hahn
558.
J: ho , fu , nuno , hiku
M: b
K: po
C: bou
473a.
M: f xn
J: fokushin
K: bok sim
C: fk sm
559.
J: batsu , nuku
M: b
K: bal
C: baht
560.
J: ken , tsurugi
M: jin
K: geom
C: gim
Two-edged sword.
This character is probably the most common word in literary Chinese for a
sword. Radical 18 ().
561.
J: yaku , odoru
M: yu
K: yak
C: yeuhk
To leap, to jump.
Radical 157 ().
562.
M: t
J: i , tei , hanashiru
K: che
C: tai
To weep; tears.
Technically, this character represents mucus flowing from the nose, but for
obvious reasons very few English translators render it literally. Radical 85 ().
COMMENTARY
15.1. (l. 1): Note the fairly complicated modifiers here: "under the
bridge that he [the viscount] should be crossing." precedes both the verb
and the adverb .
15.4. (l. 6): Note the distinctive use of (231-3) here. often turns
an adjective that precedes it into an adverb (in an X manner," X-ly);
however, sometimes it is merely added to expand the adjective to two
syllables for the sake of rhythmso don't make this usage into a universal
rule.
15-6.(l. 7): "You should make plans for yourself." Note the use of the
adverb here with the coverb (compare 12.4), and the mild imperative use
of (compare 11.6). The meaning here is "prepare to die."
15.7. ...(l. 8): As in Lesson 4, here the expression "I have heard
introduces a general proverb or aphorism.
Vocabulary Hints
(187-2 and 187-3) (455-1 and 455-2) (303) (370)
(288)(11a, L6) (485) (111a, L14)
(486) (68-3) (528) (529)
(266) (228) (184a, L10) (520)
(231-2 and 231-3) (526) (180) (77)
(73-2) (128) (513) (171)
(99)(306)(110)(328-1)
(511)(142)(26-3)(232)
(175)(182)(213)
Vocabulary List
i. (I7)
ii.(7)
iii (I)
iv .(I)
Lesson 16
Assassin-Retainers: (1)
Vocabulary (563-605)
563.
M: zh
J: shi
K: ji
C: j
Zhi.[a place-name]
Name of a town in . Radical 159 ().
564.
M: ni
J: j
K: seop
C: nihp
Nie. [a surname]
Radical 128 ().
565. M: zhng
C: jing
J: sei , sh , matsurigoto
K: jeong
564a.
jing
M: ni zhng
J: j sei
K: seop jeong
566.
M: jng
J: sh , sei , i
K: jeong
C: jng
C: nihp
Radical 7 ().
54.
M: shn jng
J: shinsei
K: sim jeong
C: sm jng
567.
M: z
J: shi , ane
K: jeo
C: j, j
Elder sister.
Radical 38 ().
568.
M: t
J: to , hofuru
K: do
C: tuh
569.
C: gu
M: ji
J: ky , hisashii , hisashiku
K: gu
570.
M: p
J: boku
K: bak
C: buhk
The Pu River.
Located in modern Henan . Radical 85 ()
571.
M: yng
J: y
K: yang
C: yuhng
The yang principle (as opposed to [427]); sunlight, the sunlit side of
something.
You will find that is often used with the name of a river to indicate the
name of a town. Because China is located in the northern hemisphere,
sunlight falls from the south directly onto the northern banks of rivers, so is
used to indicate the northern bank. (With mountains, the opposite is true:
is used for the southern side of a mountain, for the northern).
Consequently, a town name like means "the northern bank of the Pu
River." Radical 170 ().
570a.
yuhng
M: p yng
J: bokuy
K: bak yang
C: buhk
Puyang. [a place-name]
A town located in the state of (274).
572a. M: yn zhng z
C: yhm juhng j
J: gen chshi
K: eom jung ja
573. M: i
K: ae
573a.
M: i hu
J: ai k
K: ae hu
C: i hauh
Marquis Ai (of )
Scholars agree that the has made a mistake here, and that the events
described actually occurred during the reign of this ruler's grandfather,
Marquis Lie (r. 399-387 B.C.E.)
574.
J: ky
M: xi
K: hyeop
C: hahp
Heroic, chivalrous.
Here, is a surname. This character (which does not occur in its regular
meaning in our texts) usually describes a forceful, physically strong man
trained in the use of weapons who goes above the law to right wrongs.
Sometimes viewed favorably, such men were also often seen as vigilantes or
bullies. The dedicates a collective biography to them. Radical 9 ().
575.
M: li
J: rui
K: lu
C: leuih
574a.
leuih
M: xi li
J: ky rui
K: hyeop lu
C: haahp
576.
M: x
J: geki
K: geuk
C: gwk
577.
M: kng
J: ky , osoreru
K: gong
C: hng
To fear; fear.
Radical 61 ().
578.
M: yu
J: y , asobu , oyogu
K: yu
C: yuh
In all except the last meaning, this character is used interchangeably with
{287). Radical 85().
579.
J: aru
M: hu
K: hok
C: waahk
580. M: yn
K: eun
K: gan
(1);
1. Middle, midst. *
2. Leisurely, calm, idle; on vacation.
In meaning #1, this character is a very common substitute for (221).
Radical 169 ().
231a.
hauh
M: rn hu
J: shikarunochi
K: yeon hu
Only then.
Literally, it being thus, afterward. Synonym: (35a).
C: yhn
582.
M: hung
J: k , , ki
K: hwang
C: whng
Yellow.
Radical 201 ().
583.
M: jn
K: geum
C: gm
1. Metal
2. Precious metal (usually gold or silver). *
Since this character's meanings can be very broad,, yellow metal, is
sometimes used to specify gold. Sometimes the character is used with a
number to represent some quantity of gold or silver (compare , which
appears later in this lesson's text). Radical 167 ().
584.
M: y
J: itsu
K: il
C: yaht
585. M: shu
su
C: sauh
J: su , ju , kotobuku , kotobuki
K:
586. M: gui
goe
C: gwaai
K:
587.
M: xi
J: sha , ayamaru
K: sa
C:jeh
1. To apologize.
2. To refuse. *
3. To say farewell to; to fade, to wither (describes plants, especially flowers).
Polite literary vocabulary often has overlapping meanings. This character's
meanings probably derived from to apologize; thus, "refuse" means "I'm
sorry I can't accept that and to say farewell means "I'm sorry I have to go."
There is a considerable overlap of this character and (316). Radical 149 ().
588.
M: pn
K: bin
C: phn
Poor, indigent.
Radical 154 ().
589.
M: gu
J: ku , inu
K: gu
C: gu
Dog.
Although this character is the most common one in modern Mandarin for
dog, literary Chinese also frequently uses (755). Radical 94 ().
590.
M: dn
J: tan
K: dan
C: daan
Dawn.
Notice the obvious visual content of this character the sun coming up over
the horizon. Radical 72().
591.
M: x
J: seki , y , ybe
Evening.
Radical 36 ().
592.
M: cu
1. fuzz, fur.
J: zei
K: chwi
C: cheui
K: seok
C: jihk
2. Crisp; crispy. *
In meaning #2, is a substitute for the proper character, .Radical 82 (,
hair).
291a.
M: gn cui
J: kanzei
K: gam chwi
C: gm cheui
593. M: gng
C: gng
J: ky , ku , gu , sonaeru
K: gong
To supply.
Radical 9 ().
594.
beih
M: bi
J: bi , sonawaru , sonaeru
K: bi
C:
166a.
M: z xi
J: sokuka
K: jok ha
C: jk hah
You (polite).
This phrase is more polite in flavor than (29-3). It derives its sense from
the idea that on is so humble in the presence of a superior that one cannot
address the person oneself, bu one can only address the place "under his
feet."
596.
M: yng
J: y , mochiiru
K: yong
C: yuhng
105a.
M: d rn
J: taijin
K: dae in
C: daaih yhn
597.
M: c
J: so
K: chu
C: chu
598.
M: l
J:rei
K: lyeo
C: laih
Unpolished rice.
is used here by to emphasize his humility; he is suggesting that
his monetary gift is so insignificant that it can only purchase coarse food.
Radical 119 (, "rice").
599.
M: fi
J: hi , tsuiyasu
K: bi
C: fai
6oo.
gau
J: k , majiwaru , majiru
M: jio
K: gyo
C:
601. M: hun
C: fn
K: hwan
602.
M: q
J: kai , gai
K: gi
C: hi
K: hang
522a.
M: sh jng
Market, village.
J: shisei
K: si jeong
C: sh jng
604.
gng
M: jng
J: ky , owaru , owari
K: gyeong
C:
605.
M: bn
J: hin
K: bin
C: bn
Guest.
Radical 40 ().
Commentary
16.1. (l. 3): An example of the partitive pattern (3.2), equivalent
to . The use of here may seem redundant, but
...partitives are fairly common in sentences where people with certain
distinctive qualities are being sought or defined.
16.2. (ll. 7-8): Note the verbal usage of here; the context
suggests it must be interpreted as accept or consider oneself worthy of."
16.3. (l. 8): The use of here is peculiar, and it may have
slipped into the text through a copying error. However, perhaps it is used
here adverbially to mean "many times": "And I have traveled among the
feudal lords many times."
Vocabulary Hints
(301) (238-2) (510) (280) (129-2)
(264-2) (348) (175) (329) (144-2)
(539-3) (116) (306) (291-1) (75)
(538) (95) (328-2) (412) (531)
(429) (428) (464-1) (159) (276-3)
(374) (92) (182) (213) (381)
(259-1) (337-1) (79) (302) (357)
(484-1) (422) (147) (98)
Vocabulary List
i. (25)
ii. (5)
iii. (3)
iv. (10)
Lesson 17
Assassin-Retainers: (2)
VOCABULARY (606-639)
606. M: zng J: s , hmuru , tomurai , tomurau
K: jang
C: jong
To bury, to mourn; burial, mourning.
Partial synonym:(433). Radical 140 ().
607.
J: ji , jo , nozoku
M: ch
K: je
C: chuih
608.
M: f
J: fuku
K: bok
C: fuhk
1. Clothes, attire
2. Covering, case, quiver (for arrows).
3. To submit to, to accept.
Radical 74 ().
K: je
610.
J: , mageru
M: wng
K: wang
C: wng
611.
M: j (1); q (2)
J: ki , noru
K: gi
1. Horseman, cavalry. *
2. To ride [a horse].
Note the different Mandarin pronunciations for the noun and the verb. Radical
187 ().
278a.
M: j j
J : shaki
K: cha gi
C: gui kei
612.
M: xin
J: sen
K: seon
C: sn
613. M: gng
C: gng
J: k , ku , isao , isaoshi
K: gong
614.
gm
M: gn
K: gam
C:
615.
J: fun , ikaru
M: fn
K: bun
C: fhn
616.
J: gai
M: y
K: ae
C: ngaih
617.
M:z
K: sai
K: ja
C: jaaih
To stare in fury.
This character and (616) are relatively rare, and they occur mostly
together. See the commentary for interpreting this phrase. Radical 109 ().
618.
gung
K:
619.
pk
M: p
K: byeok
C:
620.
M: n J: an , izukunzo
K: an
C: n
621.
mahk
M: m
K: muk
C:
Silent, mute.
Radical 203 (, black).
35b.
M: r y
K: I I
C: yh jih
622.
M: yo (1); yo (2)
J: y
K: yo
6b.
K: cheon nyeon
623.
M: x
J: sai , sei
K: seo
C: si
C: tn nhn
West.
Notice the frequent usage of directions as verbs (i.e., to go east) or as
adverbs (i.e. "eastward"). Radical 146 ().
624.
M: shi, shu
K: su
C: suih
418b.
M: j f
J: kifu
K: gye bu
C: gwai fuh
Younger uncle.
Compare (113a Lesson 4).
626.
J: s , sh
M: zng
K: jong
C: jng
627.
M: z
J: zoku
K: jok
C: juhk
There is some debate among anthropologists regarding the full scope and
significance of terms such as , , and also (486). Radical 70 ().
628. M: shng
K: seong
629.
M: du
J: ta , i
K: da
C: d
J: sho , tokoro
K: cheo
C: chy
631.
J: setsu , mkeru
M: sh
K: seol
C: chit
632:
M: y
K: ik
C: yk
633.
M: zhung
J: s
K: jang
C: jong
633a.
M: zhung sh
J: sshi
K: jang sa
C: jong sih
634.
M: f
J: ho , tasukeru
K: bo
C: fuh
To assist, to help.
This meaning derives from the character's original use, to describe the
protective sidebars on a carriage. Radical 159 ().
635.
yihk
M: y
K: ik
C:
636. M: sh
J: se , sei , ikioi
K: se
C: sai
73b.
M:q sh
J: sono ikioi
K: gi se
C: kih sai
J: go , kataru , katari
K: eo
C:
638.
M: xi
J: setsu , ei , moru
K: seol
C: sit
To leak.
Radical 85 ().
639.
C: tih
M: di
K: tae
1. To be endangered. *
2. Probably no doubt.
Radical 78 ().
COMMENTARY
Many of the speeches in this lesson's text are obscure or use words in a
peculiar way. The following notes should clarify some of the knottier problems
of interpretation.
that can be praisedin other words, the sentence, by ordinary rules, should
read . We more than likely simply have an example of casual
grammar here; the author felt that the "utility" of the merit somehow
deserved insertion of an and he was twisting the sentence to mean
something like I do not yet have great merit, the means by which I may be
praised"equally ungrammatical. This type of structural vagueness would be
increasingly characteristic of classical syntax in the centuries to come.
17.5. (l. 5): , like in Lesson 12, line 3 (see 12.4), is a coverb
with a missing verb. You must supply something like I merely used my
mother as an excuse."
17.9. (l. 12): "If there are many people [involved], then one
cannot avoid giving rise to . is awkward to translate literally,
though its function as a double negative is clear: "there cannot not exist the
giving-rise-to .... That is, certain developments will be inevitable. is also
confusing here. By itself, it can be an "antonym compound" meaning "gain
and loss," or "success and failure." However, the actual meaning of this
phrase in this context is unclear. I have found three different views on the
sentence: (1) It may be an example of an occasional habit in literary Chinese
of taking an antonym compound (e.g.,and using it to mean only
one of the two terms. This is, fortunately, a relatively rare habit. If this is the
case here, means simply ,"loss," "failure." (2) It may mean "risk" or
"risky people." That is, if there are too many people, then success becomes
riskyone may have where previously one only had .(3) It may mean
"[debates about] success and failure"that is, if too many people are
involved in the enterprise, they will fall to arguing over the best way to
proceed (this might make sense in relation to mentioned in the following
phrase).
In summary then, we might posit one of the following three possible
interpretations:
"If there are too many people, you will not avoid failure."
"If there are too many people, then a situation will arise that could go either
way."
"If there are too many people, then there will be debates over the best way of
doing things."
Vocabulary Hints
(499) (208-2) (509) (482) (237)
(278) (6oo-1) (239) (114-4) (88)
(302) (553-1) (583-2) (464-1, 464-3) (232)
(147) (228) (110) (79) (31)
(1a, L14) (357) (107-3) (283) (274-2)
(475) (133-2) (149) (216) (587-2)
Vocabulary List
i. (19)
ii. (10)
iii. (3)
iv. (2)
Lesson 18
Assassin-Retainers:(3)
VOCABULARY (640-681)
640.
M: zhng
J: j , tsue
K: jang
C: jeuhng
641.
M: f
J: fu , tsukasa
K: bu
C: f
642.
M: j
J: geki
K: geuk
C: gk
643.
M: zh
K: jik
C: jihk
644.
M: h
J: ko , yobu
K: ho
C: f
645.
M: p
J: hi , kawa , eguru
K: pi
C: pih
646.
kyut
M: ju
K: gyeol
C:
647.
ngahn
M: yn
K: an
C:
Eye.
Synonym:(22). Radical 109 ().
648.
M: chng
J: ch , harawata
K: jang
Intestines, bowels.
Radical 130 ().
649.
M: q
J: shu , toru
K: chwi
C: chui
C: chuhng
650.
M: sh
J: shi , shikabane
K: si
C: s
J: baku , sarasu
K: pok
(1); po
1. To expose
2. Cruel, violent, savage. *
Note that both meanings of this character occur in this lesson's text. Meaning
#1 is probably a simplification of , which can also mean to air, to dry in
the sun." Radical 72 ().
652.
M: gu
J: k , aganau
K: gu
C: kau
652a.
M: gu wn
J: kmon
K: gu mun
C: kau mahn
J: ken , ke , kakeru
K: hyeon
1. District, county.
2. To hang, to suspend. *
Meaning #2 (which occurs in this lesson's text) is actually a common
substitute for the correct character,. For this character's specialized
usage in this case, see the compound below. Radical 120 ().
652b.
M: gu xun
J: kken
K: gu hyeon
C: kau yhn
654.
(2)
J: ei
K: yeong
655.
M: zi
J: zoku
K: jeok
C: chaahk
1. Thief, bandit. *
2. To do injury to, to harm.
Radical 154 ().
11b.
M: w y
J: oy
K: eo eup
C: w yp
To sigh; Alas!
These characters are employed onomatopoetically; note the different
pronunciations of both.
656.
M: k
K: gok
C: hk
To sob, to cry.
This character refers to noisy crying, as opposed to (525), which is silent
crying. Radical 30 ().
78b.
M: su wi
J: iwayuru
K: so wi
C: s waih
657.
K: hak
190a.
M: f rn
J: fujin
K: bu in
C: f yhn
Lady, wife.
Here, this term is used as a polite form of address.
658. M: ying
J: zuru
K: eung
C: ying
To answer.
Radical 61 ().
659.
M: mng
J: m , kmuru
K: mong
C: mhng
661. M: fn J: han
(merchat, peddler)
K: pan
662.
J: y , tsutsuga
M: yng
K: yang
C: yeuhng
Illness, misfortune.
This character occurs most often in its negated form,, which is a standard
way to say "in good health," still alive." , "have you no illnesses?" is a
standard way of saying "How are you?" Radical 61 ().
664.
C: ga
M: ji
K: ga
51a.
M: xi sh
J: kasei
K: ha se
C: hah sai
665
M: ch
J: satsu , sassuru
K: chal
C: chaat
666.
M: z
J: taku , sawa
K: taek
C: jaahk
667.
M: ni
J: dai
K: nae
or na
C: noih
667a.
M: ni h
J: ikan
K: nae ha
C: noih hh
What to do about...?
The first character is also written . is thought by modern scholars to be
a fusion of (compare [129b]). Even more than , it is used to
indicate perplexity or indecision. Literary Chinese writers soon forgot the
fusion and often placed the object of perplexity either between the two
characters or after them. For example: or , "What can I do
about my fate?
668.
M: shng
J: sh , nao
K: sang
C: seuhng
1. Still.*
2. To esteem, to honor.
Synonym (meaning #1): (356). Radical 30 ().
J: ch , j , omoi ,
C: chhng (heavy); juhng (important);
670.
muht
M: m
To perish, to die.
K: mol
C:
671.
bi
M: b
J: hi , kanashimu , kanashii
K: bi
C:
672.
M: png
J: b , katawara
K: bang
C: phng
Side; nearby.
Radical 70 ().
673.
M: li
J: retsu , hageshii
K: lyeol
C: liht
675. M: chng
C: shng
K: seong
676.
M: r
J: ju , nureru , nurasu
K: yu
C: yh
To moisten (here, used with special meaning in compound; see 676a below).
Radical 85 ().
677.
M: rn
J: nin , shinobu
K: in
C: yn
To bear, to endure.
Radical 61 ().
676a.
M: ru rn
J: junin
K: yu in
C: yuh yn
678.
M: hi
J: gai , mukuro
K: hae
C: haih
679.
M: xin
J: ken
K: heom
C: hm
680. M: lie
C: liht
K: lyeol
681.
M: l
J: riku
K: lyuk
C: luhk
COMMENTARY
18.1. (l. 1): Burton Watson, in his translation of this biography,
has an interesting comment on this passage. He translates as "disguising
his sword as a walking stick" then notes: This phrase is customarily taken
simply to mean using his sword as a walking stick, but this makes little
sense here, in addition to being a rather foolish and disrespectful way to
handle a sword. Examination of other passages where the phrase occurs
shows that in all cases the person is traveling incognito and I therefore
suggest the above translation. Nieh Cheng [Nie Zheng] could hardly have
approached the prime minister if his sword had been visible" (Watson,
Records of the Historian: Chapters from the Shih Chi of Ssu-ma Chien, p. 53).
This should demonstrate to you the degree to which practically every Chinese
text is open to issues of interpretation.
18.2. (l. 4): No one knew who it was." Here, most likely is merely a
vague suffix to , included for the sake of the rhythm. It could also mean,
literally, whose son" that is, from what family he came.
18.4. (l. 6): "Could this be my little brother? Note: (1) the modal
use of in a question, anticipating a positive answer (see 11.6), and (2) the
use of as a final question particle, substituting for the character
(see 191-5).
18.5. (l. 6): Intuiting that the corpse is her brother, realizes
that must have persuaded her brother to commit the assassination,
knowing that he was capable not only of carrying it out but of concealing his
identity afterward. Her comment here underlines the central obsessions of
the story: How can one person recognize the essential qualities of another,
and how can one's own deeds become known to others so that one will be
famous after death?
18.6. (l. 8): This phrase seems largely redundant: Those walking
in the marketplaceall of the crowd." here as a plural marker seems
particularly redundant.
18.11.
...(ll. 15-16): This is the if clause of a very long, complex
sentence: here means Earlier [lit., in the past]supposing that.... The
basic logic is as follows: If had realized (1) that his own sister would
willingly die to make sure that his own reputation would live on (what she
does not possess is either a will compliant with her brother's desires or one
that could bear to see her brother's fame unrecognized), and (2) that she
would not consider important her own possible death and disgrace, and (3)
that she would inevitably risk the dangers of a long journey in order to
"rank his name" (i.e., make sure that his deed was recognized), with the
result that (4) both ended up perishing.... Note that here marks the final
end of the if clause.
Vocabulary Hints
(316-2) (228) (560) (363) (468)
(467) (541a, L15) (462) (477) (555)
(539-2) (381) (522) (368) (624)
(237) (567) (414) (180) (504)
(191-5) (420-3) (132) (288) (536)
(573) (253-1) (523) (581-1) (6b, L17)
(115-1), (600-1), (95) (1a, L14) (505-1)
(225) (625-5) (83) (269-3) (140-3)
(193) (252-1)
Vocabulary List
i.(18)
ii (13)
iii (3)
iv (8)
Unit 3
LESSONS 19-21
Two Biographies from the Biographies of Noted Women
Like the Garden of Stories , excerpted in Lessons 1 through 10, the
Biographies of Noted Women (Lin zhun ) was compiled by Li Xing
(79-8 B.C.E.). As as the former text, this collection was probably edited
from earlier surviving records. His purpose here was to provide information on
exemplary lives of women; although in the title simply means to rank
(and the term , as we have seen, was used in the to dicate a
biography or collection of biographies), some have suggested that should
be adhere as a term meaning "virtuous" or even "martyr." Indeed, many of
the women in the collection die rather than abandon virtue, though this is by
no means true of all of them.
Though the text seems to have been popular with both men and women
readers, the later tradition saw it as one of the seminal works used for
teaching women how to read. Needless to say, many of the book's examples
of proper Confucian behavior are not attractive to modern tastes, and there is
great emphasis placed on the "subordinate" virtues appropriate to women. In
Lesson 21, for example, we have a mention of the "three followings" thought
to be suitable to women: when young, follow your parents; when married,
follow your husband; and if your husband dies, follow your son.
I have chosen to use the following two biographies as exemplary lessons
because of their fame and because of their inherent interestboth of their
stories transcend to some extent the theme of the subordinate position of
women that characterizes narratives in most of the text. First is the story of
Bo S , which is taken from the last chapter, consisting of biographies of
wicked and lascivious women (sort of a "don't let this happen to you"
section). Though the story mainly reflects the misogynist belief that meddling
women often ring about the downfall of a state, the biography itself is full of
fanciful mythic elements thatt have been popular in Chinese culture for
thousands of years. Second, we have the most famous biography in the
collection, the account of Mencius' mother. Though the heroine demonstrates
all the behavior Confucians admired in women, she does show that women
could exert their own distinctive form of authority within the limitations of the
family
Lesson 19
VOCABULARY (682-767)
Note: A complex narrative with many details will inevitably result in a great
deal of unfamiliar vocabulary for the beginning student, even if the grammar
and diction ar relatively uncomplicated. Try to be patient with all the new
words; a great many of the (though important in general) won't occur again
in this textbook.
682.
J: h
M: bo
K: po
C: bu
M: s
J: ji
K: sa
C: chh
Si. [a surname]
Hence, the name of the main character is actually Si of Bao. Radical 38 ().
684.
thng
M: tng
M: zhu
J: sh
K: ju
C: ju
Zhou.
The name of a dynasty (traditionally accepted dates 1122255 B.C.E.).
Radical 30 ().
C:
686.
M: yu
J: y
K: yu
C: yu
M: yu wng
J: y
K: yu wang
C: yu whng
M: hu
J: k , go , kisaki
K: hu
C: hauh
M: xi
J: ka
K: ha
C: hah
M: shn
K: sin
C: shn
M: hu
J: ka , ke
K: hwa
C: fa
1. To transform, to change. *
2. To transform morally and ethically; to teach.
Meaning #1 is often used when referring to supernatural transformations.
Meaning occurs frequently in Confucian political rhetoric, and it often refers
to the power of ruler to transform his people for the better. Radical 21 ().
691.
M: lng
Dragon.
Radical 212 ().
J: ry , ry , tatsu
K: lyong
C: lhng
692.
J: tei , niwa
M: tng
K: jeong
C: thng
J: yo , ware
M: y
K: yeo
C: yh
M: b
K: bok
M: j
K: gil
C: gt
Auspicious, lucky.
This word is one of the standard answers to a divination, the other being
(861), unlucky, inauspicious. Radical 30 ().
696.
M: l
J: ri , awa
K: li
C: lih
Saliva, spittle.
Radical 85 ().
697.
M: cng
J: s , z , osamu
K: jang
C: chhng
M: b
J: hei
K: pye
C: baih
M: h
J: kotsu , tachimachi
K: hol
C: ft
suddenly, abruptly.
Radical 61 ().
700.
M: d
J: toku , hitsu
K: dok
C: duhk
Cabinet, closet.
Radical 75 ().
701.
M: jio
J: k
K: gyo
C: gau
Ceremony for offering sacrifices to Heaven and earth; altar or temple for such
sacrifices. Because such altars were located outside the city walls (), this
character eventually was used to describe the suburban areas of a city.
Radical 163 (, ).
515a.
M: l wng
J: rei
K: lyeo wang
C: laih whng
M: m
K: mal
C: muhk
M: f
J: fu
K: bu
C: fh
Woman, wife.
Compare this character to (192), which can only refer to a wife. Here,
is a general term for "women." Radical 38 ().
704.
M: lu
J: ra , hadaka
K: na
C: l
M: zo
J: sh , sawagu
K: jo
C: chou
706.
M: xun
J: gen , ken
K: hyeon
C: yhn
M: yun
J: gan
K: won
C: yhn
Lizard.
Radical 142 (, insect-like or reptilian animal).
53a.
gng
M: hu gng
J: kky
K: hu gung
C: hauh
M: chn
J: shin
K: chin
C: chan
To have one s adult teeth come in; to lose one s baby teeth.
Radical 211 (, teeth).
709.
J: s , au , awaseru
M: zo
K: jo
C: ju
M: j
J: kei , kgai
K: gye
C: gi
M: yn
J: y , haramu
K: ing
C: yahn
To be pregnant, to conceive.
Radical 39 ().
712.
M: xun
K: seon
C: syn
712a.
J: sen
M: xun wng
K: seon wang
C: syn
J: san , umu
M: chn
K: san
C: chan
M: r
J: ny , chi , chichi
K: yu
C: yh
M: xin sh
K: seon si
C:
M: yo
J: y , utau , utai
K: yo
C: yuh
M: tng yo
J: dy
K: dong yo
C: thng yuh
M: yn
Mulberry wood.
Radical 75 ().
J: en
K: eom
C: ym
717.
J: ko , yumi
M:h
K: ho
C: wh
Bow.
Radical 57 ().
718.
M: j
J: ki
K: gi
C: gi
M: sh
J: jitsu , makoto ni
K: sik
C: saht
M: mi
K: mae
C: maaih
To sell
Radical 154 ().
721.
M: l
J: riku
K: lyuk
C: luhk
M: ho (1); ho (2)
J: g
K: ho
M: cun
K: chan
C: chyun
724.
J: k
M: x
K: gu
C: hui
J: goku , hitoya
M: y
K: ok
C: yuhk
J: shoku , aganau
M: sh
K: sok
C: suhk
M: b
J: hei
K: pye
C: pei
M: b f
J: hakufuku
K: baek bok
C: baak fuhk
Bofu (son of ).
728.
M: shn
J: shin
K: sin
C: sn
To stretch, to extend.
Here, this character is used as the name of a fiefdom. Radical 102 ().
728a.
M: shn hu
J: shin k
K: sin hu
M: y
J: gi , yoi , ii
K: ui
C: yh
Suitable, appropriate.
Here, the character is part of a name. Radical 40 ().
730.
M: ji
J: ky , usu
K: gu
C: kau
C: sn huh
Mortar.
Here, the character is part of a name. Radical 134 ().
729a.
M: y ji
J: giky
K: ui gu
C: yh kau
J: waku , madou
M: hu
K: hok
C: waahk
J: j , noru
K: seung
C:
1. To ride in a vehicle. *
2. To take advantage of [a situation].
3. [Measure word for carriages.]
Radical 4 ().
733.
M: x
J: shutsu , jutsu
K: hyul
C: sut
M: q
J: ku , kakeru
K: gu
C: kui
M: ch
J: chi , haseru
K: chi
C: chh
To gallop, to hurry.
often occurs with the poetic meaning of to go hunting for pleasure."
Radical 187 ().
736.
M: y
J: yoku
K: ik
C: yihk
A bow and arrow with a string tied to the arrow for retrieval; to go hunting
with such a weapon.
Radical 56 ().
737.
M: li
J: ry , kari
K: lyeop
C: lihp
To hunt.
Radical 94 ().
4b.
M: b sh
J: tokinarazu
K: bul si
C: bt sih
At any time.
This idiomatic expression derives its meaning from the idea that something is
done "at no [specific] time."
738.
J : men
M: min
K: myeon
C: mhn
Drunk, intoxicated.
Radical 85 ()
222a.
M: li min
J: rymen
K: lyu myeon
C: luh
To be drunk constantly.
739.
M: chng
J: sh
K: chang
C: chung
J: yu
K: u
C: yu
M: zhu
J: ch , hiru
K: ju
C: jau
Day, daytime.
Distinguish this character from (235). Radical 72 ().
743.
M: dun
K: dan
C: dyn
M: fng
J: h
K: bong
C: fng
M: su
J: sui
K: su
C: seuih
M: ku
J: k
K: gu
C: kau
M: x
K: sil
All.
Grammarians have observed that originally this adverb seemed to apply
mostly to plural objects. For example, whereas the sentence would
usually be interpreted as "Kings all love their minister(s), would
more likely be The king loves all of his ministers" (i.e.,[254] would indicate
a plurality of kings, whereas would indicate a plurality of ministers).
However, as we can see from this lesson's text, the distinction came to be
ignored, and and came to be used interchangeably. Radical 61 ().
748.
M: yu
J: etsu , yorokobu
K: yeol
C: yuht
J: ka , hi
M: hu
K: hwa
C: f
Fire.
Radical 86 ().
750. M: wi
K: yu
C: wih
Only.
Radical 30 ().
751. M: y
J: yu , hetsurau
K:
C: yh
K: baek
M: gui
J: kai , somuku
K: goe
C: gwai
C: lih
K: li
M: zng
J: sh , s
K: jeung
C: jng
623a.
J: sei'i
M: x y
K: seo i
C: si yh
M: qun
J: ken , inu
K: gyeon
C: hyn
Dog.
Radical 94 ().
756.
M: rng
J: j , ebisu
K: yung
C: yhng
M: qun rng
J: kenj
K: gyeon yung
C: hyn
M: zhng
J: ch , chsuru , mesu
K: jing
M:l
J: ri
K: lyeo
C: lih
M: l shn
J: rizan
K: lyeo san
C: lih san
Mt.Li.
Near the mountain now called ; is also the site of the first
emperor's tomb.
759.
M: l
J: ryo , toriko
K: no
C: luh
760.
M: l
J: ro , takara
K: noe
C: louh
M: png wng
J: hei
K: pyeong wang
C: phng
M: sh
J: shi
K: si
C: s
M: yn
J: un , yuu , iu
K: un
C: whn
To say.
Synonym: (120), although is used more often for textual quotations.
Radical 7 ().
763.
M: h
J: kaku , kagayakasu
K: hyeok
C: hak
Glorious, shining.
Notice the poetic "reduplication" of the adjective in this lesson's text. Radical
155 (, "red").
764.
J: ju , sh
M: sng
K: song
C: juhng
M: xng
J: ky , okoru , okosu
K: heung
C:
M: pi
J: hai
K: bae
C: pui
To pair with, to match; to marry, to become the spouse of. Radical 164 ().
767.
M: s
J: shi , matsuru
K: sa
C: jih
COMMENTARY
19.1. (l. 2): Here, must be taken as a verb: "they went together to
the king court."
19.2. (ll. 2-3): When the dragon-spirits appear at court,
the king has to decide how to deal with them. "The Xia ruler cast a divination
as to whether he sho kill them [or] allow them [lit., "give"] to go away, but no
[results] came up auspicious Note that the author uses here, even though
properly speaking this character should reff to people, not things.
19.3 (l. 5): This seems to have been a ritual performed to
purge the court of evil spirits.
19.4. (ll. 7-8): "Afterward there were peoplea
husband and wifesellers of utensils of mulberry bows and quivers in the
shape of a winnowr basket." The meaning is clear here, but the grammar is
rather sloppy.
19.5. (l. 8): "They heard the daughter of the young girl,
have encountered abandonment, wailing in the night."
19.6. (ll. 11-12): Allowing a consort or concubine to ride in the
same carriage as oneself is often cited in early texts as a mark of excessive
favor on the part of the ruler.
19.7. (l. 13): is lacking a verb: He [tried] a myriad
methods.... As is sometimes the case, is a little difficult to interpretit could
mean "stubbornly" (used as a substitute for [328-2]), or "persistently" or
"deliberately."
Vocabulary Hints
(663-1) (305) (298) (340) (558)
(471) (441) (296-2) (440) (222)
(607) (190-1) (255) (192) (608-2)
(497-1) (364) (282) (90) (573)
(649) (351-2) (154) (147) (513)
(444) (214b, L12) (425-2) (117) (130)
(71) (539-3) (99) (176) (625-1)
(172) (256-2) (249) (342-1) (625-1)
(288)
Character List
i. (31)
ii. (20)
iii. (4)
iv. (26)
Lesson 20
(1)
VOCABULARY (768805)
768.
J: sh
M: zu
K: chu
C: ju
M: mng
J: m
K: maeng
C: maahng
M: k
J: ka
K: ga
C:
769a.
M: mng k
J: mo ka
K: maeng ga
C: maahng
K: sa
J: bo , haka
M: m
K: myo
C: mouh
M: x
J: ki , ureshigaru
K: hui
C: hi
M: yng
J: y
K: yong
C: yng
M: zh
J: chiku , kizuku
K: chuk
C: jk
M: mi
J: mai , uzumeru
K: mae
C: maih
To bury.
Radical 32 ().
777. M: png
C: bhng
J: h , b , katawara , soba
K: bang
M: x
J: gi , ge , tawamureru
K: hui
C: hei
J: ko
M: g
K: ga
C: g
M: xun
J: gen , terau
K: hyeon
C: yuhn
M: x
J: shi , utsuru
K: sa
C: sai
M: xu
K: hak
C:
M: xu gng
J: gakky
K: hak gung
School
783.
M: z
J: so
K: jo
C: j
M: du
J: t , zu
K: du
C: dauh
C: hohk gng
M: y
J: y
K: eup
C: yp
To bow.
Radical 64 ().
786.
M: tu
J: tai , shirizoku
K: toe
C: teui
To retreat, to withdraw.
Here, refers to proper considerations of when to advance or retreat
under the guidelines of ritual . Radical 162 ().
787.
M: y
J: gei
K: ye
C: ngaih
M: li y
J: riku gei
K: yuk ye
C: luhk ngaih
M: r
J: ju
K: yu
C: yh
M: jin
J: zen , yyaku , yy
M: sh
J: shu
K: ju
C: jy
K: jeom
C:
791.
M: j
J: seki , tsumugu
K: jeok
C: jk
J: jijaku
M: z ru
K: ja yak
C: jih yeuhk
K: dan
C:
M: zh
K: jik
C: jk
M: s
K: sa
C: s
J: k , hiroi , hiromeru
K: gwang
Broad; to broaden.
Radical 53 ().
203a.
M: sh y
J: kore wo motte
K: si i
C: sih yh
Consequently, therefore.
This phrase is an idiomatic inversion of , by means of this. Synonym:
(285-1).
796.
J: nei
M: nng
K: nyeong
C: nhng
J: gai , sokonau
M: hi
K: hae
C: hoih
M: min
J: men , manugareru
K: myeon
C:
To avoid, to escape.
Radical 10 ().
799.
M: s
J: shi
K:si
C: s
Menial servant.
Radical 53 ().
800.
M: y
J: eki
K: yeok
C: yihk
Servant; servitude.
Radical 60 ().
801.
M: f
J: b , toboshii
K: pip
C: faht
To be lacking.
Radical 4 ().
802.
M: ling
J: ry , r , kate
K: lyang
C: luhng
803.
M: nn
K: nam
C: nahm
M: du
J: da
K: ta
C: doh
1. To fall, to sink.
2. To become indolent, lazy, or careless. *
The second group of meanings acts as a substitute for . Radical 32 ().
805.
M: qn
J: kin , gon
K: geun
C: khn
M: zs
J: shishi
K: ja sa
C: j s
COMMENTARY
20.1. (l. 2): Note the causative usage of and here:
"This is no the means by which I [can] cause my son to reside" = "This is not
the place I can raise my son."
20.2. (l. 6): Both of the anecdotes in this lesson's text
conclude with a quotation, as in the last lesson's text (compare 19.11). In
this case, the quotation is from poem no. 53: "That fine person / what do we
give her?" It's difficult to know exactly why the author thought this quotation
was appropriateperhaps because it carries the idea that such a virtuous
woman is worthy of our respect and esteem. The same may be said of the
quotation at line 14, which is taken from the same poem:
That fine person / what do we offer her?" (the character occurs here with
the archaic meaning "to give," "to offer").
20.3. (l. 9): "He inquires [of his elders or teachers] and so becomes
broadly knowledgeable. " means that this is the true goal of education.
Vocabulary Hints
(732-2) (530) (219-3) (287) (221)
(561) (630-1) (720) (631) (484-1)
(424) (71) (690-2) (761) (762)
(184a, L10) (225) (444) (28a, L2) (343-4)
Character List
i. (12)
ii. (12)
iii. (7)
iv. (7)
Lesson 21
(2)
VOCABULARY (806-850)
806.
M: q
J: shu , metoru
K: chwi
C: chui
M: s sh
J: shishitsu
K: sa sil
C: s st
807.
M: tn
J: tan , hadanugi
K: dan
C: tan
M: f z
J: fushi
K: bu ja
C: f j
M: b
J: botsu
K: bal
C: buht
Abrupt.
Note the typical adverb suffix (231-3) attached to this character in this
lesson's text. Radical 19 ().
809.
M: zho
J: sh , mesu , yomu
K: so
C: jiuh
M: sh
K: suk
C: suhk
M: shng
J: sh , sei , koe
K: seong
C: sng
K:
Voice, sound.
Radical 128 ().
814. M: yng
C: yuhng
K: yang
M: ji
J: kai , imashimu
K: gye
C: gaai
M: z
K: chaek
C:
M: li
J: ry , ru , todomu
K: lyu
(yu )
M: g
J: ko
K: go
C: g
M: gm
J: kobo
K: go mo
C: g muh
Mother-in-law.
819.
M: yng
J: y
K: ong
C: yng
M: yng
J: ei , y
K: yeong
C: yhng
C: luh
Column, pillar.
Radical 75 ().
821.
J: k , iyashii
M: gu
K: gu
C: gu
1. Illicit, careless. *
2. If, supposing.
Radical 140 ().
821a.
M: gu d
J: ktoku
K: gu deuk
C: gu dk
J: sh
M: shng
K: sang
C: sung
Reward; to reward.
Radical 154 ().
823.
M: l
J: roku
K: nok
C: luhk
M: d
J: tatsu , tassuru
K: dal
C: daaht
M: jin
J: sen , fumu
K: cheon
C: chhn
M: jng
J: sh , sei , shirageru
M: w
J: go
K: o
C: gh
K: jeong
C:
Five.
Radical 7 ().
828.
J: han , meshi
M: fn
K: ban
C: faahn
M: wu fn
J: gohan
K: o ban
C: gh faahn
M: m
J: beki
K: myeok
C: mihk
Strainer; to strain.
Here, the necessary straining of ale to remove sediment serves as a
synecdoche for the brewing of ale in general. Radical 14 (,cover).
830.
M: jing
J: sh
K: jang
C: jung
Liquid, brew.
Radical 85 ()
831.
M: ji
J: ky
K: gu
C: kuh
1. Father-in-law. *
2. Uncle.
Radical 134 ().
832.
M: fng
J: h , nuu
K: bong
C: fhng
M: chng, shng
Clothes, robes.
Radical 145 ().
J: sh
K: sang
C: suhng
834.
M: gu
J: kei , neya
K: gyu
C: gwi
Women s quarters.
Radical 169 ().
835.
M: ku
J: ki
K: gwe
C: gwaih
M: w
J: mu , nai
K: mu
C: muh
M: yu
J: y , sh
K: yu
C: yuh
[Archaic version .]
Radical 66 ().
838.
M: y
J: gi
K: ui
C: yh
M: wi
J: i
K: yu
C: wih
Only.
This character substitutes for the more proper (750). Radical 61 ().
840.
M: y
J: gi
K: ui
C: yih
841.
J: sei
M: zh
K: je
C: jai
M: chng rn
J: seijin
K: seong in
C: shng yhn
Adult, grown-up.
842.
M: zai
J: sai
K: jae
C: joi
M:fi
J: hi
K: bi
C: fi
[Archaic version of .]
Radical 22 (, box, basket).
844.
M: y
J: i
K: i
C: y
M: jio
J: ky , oshieru
K: gyo
C: gaau
M: z
J: taku , erabu
K: taek
To select, to pick.
Radical 64 ().
847.
M: ln
J: rin
K: lyun
C: luhn
C: jaahk
848.
M: j
J: ki , hata
K: gi
C: gi
M: sh
J: ji , shi , shimesu
K: si
C: sih
To demonstrate, to show.
Radical 113 ().
850.
M: gun
J: kan
K: gwan
C: gun
COMMENTARY
21.1. l. 2): The wife of begins with quoting a
proverbial expression. Her point here is that private matters between
husband and wife do not belong to () the ritually proper behavior prescribed
for their public livesthat is, that husband and wife should be more informal
with each other in the bedroom.
21.2. (l. 2): can be added to any part of speech simply to emphasize.
Here, Mencius' wife is simply stressing that the incident occurred just now."
21.3. (l. 3): This is treating me as a guest/stranger." Note the
putative use of here.
21.4 (l. 6): ...and yet you blame others for their [lack of]
proprietyisn't that indeed far off the mark?"
There are a number of idiomatic structures here. The verb
characteristically takes as an object the aspect the subject finds lacking in a
person, and governs the person who is being criticized. Another example:
, "Guan Zhong blamed the king for his failure to govern."
can be used to signify that someone is far off the mark"seriously in error
or seriously in the wrong. There is another literary Chinese habit here, one
21.11. (l. 18): Her teaching and moral transformative powers made
judgments" ( = to rank"; =to distinguish and divide up").
Vocabulary Hints
(410) (748) (316-2) (663-2) (191-4)
(276-1) (804-2) (429) (55-3) (434-2)
(94-1) (98) (398) (461) (327)
(577) (320-2) (665) (230-2) (587-1)
(548-2) (34) (297) (581-2) (544)
(674-1) (553-2) (383) (387) (654-1)
(38-3) (554) (428) (146) (378)
(411) (48-2)(267-2) (284) (122-3)
(664) (49) (764) (787) (792)
(227)
Character List
i. (22)
ii. (10)
iii. (6)
iv. (7)
Unit 4
Lessons 2230
Lesson 22
(Section 1)
Vocabulary (851-859)
851.
M: ling
J: ry
K: lyang
C: luhng
M: hu wng
J: kei
K: hye wang
M: su
J: s
K: su
C: su
C: waih whng
J: taifu
M: d f
K: dae bu
C: daaih f
J: sho
M: sh
K: seo
C: syu
Commoners, peasants.
Consequently, also means "commoners," as distinguished from , ,
and . Radical 53 ().
854.
M: zhng
J: sei
K: jeong
C: jng
M: wi
J: ki , abunai
K: wi
C: ngih
Dangerous; to be endangered.
Radical 26().
856.
M: sh
J: shi , shiisuru
K: sik
C: si
assassinate.
This word is used to describe a social inferior killing his master or a social
superior. Radical 56().
821b.
wih
M: gu wi
J: iyashiku mo
K: gu wi
If, supposing.
The here does not add appreciably to the meaning of (821-2).
857.
M: du
J: datsu , ubau
K: tal
C: dyuht
C: gu
Radical 41 ().
858.
yim
J: en , y , y , akiru
M: yn
K: yeom
C:
To be satisfied, to be content.
This word often appears in the simpler version . Radical 184 ().
859.
M: y
J: i , yui , suteru
K: yu
C: wih
To abandon.
Radical 162 ().
Commentary
22.1.(l. 1): As in Lesson 12, here is used in its semiformal
meaning (183-3), "to have an audience with [the ruler].
22.2.
(ll. 2-4): Though there may be more than one
possible interpretation, it is probably best to take this long sentence as
consisting of an initial if clause, followed by then at . The power of a
ruler to set the moral habits of everyone below him is a commonplace in
Chinese philosophy.
22.3. (l. 4): A typical way of measuring the size of a statehow many
carriages it could mobilize in time of war. Notice that this phase is introduced
as the topic of discussion As for a state of ten thousand carriages.
22.4. (l. 5): Here, represents the idea from it: As for ten
thousand, take a thousand from it."
22.5. (l. 5): "does not make not much." Figure out what this phrase
means, and work out a decent translation for it.
22.6. (l. 6): Note the putative usage of the location words and
here: "to make secondary" and to make primary."
22.7. (l. 6): A conditional sentence: [If] they do not X, they do not Y."
This is a typical literary Chinese way of saying They do not Y unless they X.
22.8. (l. 6): Mencius often uses the pattern to
emphasis the idea of impossibility: There has never yet been a person
who.... Here, he wants to show that once benevolence is cultivated, asocial
behavior such as the abandonment of one's parents becomes impossible.
Also notice the philosopher's rhetorical association of the complementary
virtues of and with the personal (family) level and with the public
(government) level.
Vocabulary Hints
(183-3) (609) (230-2) (30a, L6) (388)
(54) (600-2) (71) (732-3) (629)
(821-2) (150)
Character List
i. (5)
ii. (2)
iv. (2)
Lesson 23
(Section 3)
Vocabulary (860-905)
860.
M: h
J: ka
K: ha
C: hh
River.
This character is a northern term for river, as opposed to , a southern
term. By itself, often refers to the Yellow River , just as (1181) by
itself can refer to the Yangtze . Radical 85 ().
860a.
M: h ni
J: kadai
K: ha nae
C: hh noih
Henei (lit., "within [i.e., this side of] the Yellow River"; name of a province of
.)
861.
J: ky
M: xing
K: hyung
C: hng
M: y
J: i , utsuru , utsusu
K: i
C: yh
To move, to transfer.
Radical 115 ().
863. M: dng
J: t , higashi
K: dong
C: dng
East.
Radical 75 ().
860b.
M: h dng
J: kat
K: ha dong
C: hh dng
M: s
J: zoku , awa
K: sok
C: sk
Grain.
Radical 119 ().
865.
M: y
J: yu , tatoeru , tatoi
K: yu
C: yuh
K: jeon
C:
M: tin rn
J: tenzen
K: jeon yeon
C: thn yhn
M: rn
K: in
C: yahn
Blade of a weapon.
Note that the character consists of a mark pointing to the edge of the
character for knife. Radical 18 ().
868.
M: y
J: ei , hiku
K: ye
C: yaih
M: zu
J: s , hashiru
K: ju
C: ju
M: b
J: ho , bu , aruku
K: bo
C: bouh
M: wi
J: i , tagau , tagaeru
K: wi
C: wih
M: nng
J: n
K: nong
C: nhng
873.
M: g
J: koku
K: gok
C: gk
Edible grains.
Radical 115 ().
874.
M: g
J: ko
K: go
C: g
Fishing net.
Radical 122 ().
875.
M: w
J: , ike
K: o
C: w
M: ch
J: chi , ike
K: ji
C: chh
Pool, pond.
Radical 85 ().
877.
M: bi
J: betsu
K: byeol
C: bit
M: f
J: fu , ono
K: bu
C: f
Ax.
Radical 69 ().
879.
M: jn
J: kin
K: geun
C: gn
Ax.
Radical 69 ().
880.
M: ln
Forest.
Radical 75 ().
J: rin , hayashi
K: lim
C: lhm
881.
J: zai
M: ci
K: jae
C: chih
J: moku , ki
M: m
K: mok
C: muhk
Tree, wood.
thus means trees with usable timber." Radical 75 ().
883.
hahm
M: hn
K: gam
C:
Resentment; to resent.
Radical 61 ().
884.
ch
M: sh
K: si
C:
To begin; at first, originally; beginning, origin; to begin to; for the first time.
Radical 38 ().
885.
J: b , ho , une
M: m
K: mu
(myo )
C: muh
J: taku
M: zhi
K: taek
C: jaahk
Homestead, farm.
Radical 40 ().
887.
J: haku
M: b
K: baek
C: baahk
White silk.
Radical 50 ().
888.
M: j
J: kei , niwatori
Chicken.
Radical 172 ().
K: gye
C: gi
889.
J: ton , buta
K: don
J: tei
C: jih
M: tn
C: tyhn
Piglet.
Radical 152 ().
890.
M: zh
K: che
Hog.
Radical 58 (, broom).
891.
J: chiku
M: x
K: chuk
C: chk
M: j
J: ki , ueru K: gi
C: gi
Hungry.
Radical 184 ().
893.
M: xing
J: sh
K: sang
C: chuhng
M: x
J: jo
K: seo
C: jeuih
M: t
J: tei
K: je
C: daih
896.
M: bn
J: han
K: ban
C: ban
Spotted.
Radical 181 ().
897.
J: haku , shiroi
M: bi
K: baek
C: baahk
White.
Radical 106 ().
896a.
baahk
J: hanbaku
M: bn bi
K: ban baek
C: ban
J: fu , ou
M: f
K: bu
C: fuh
J: tai
M: di
K: dae
C: daai
M: l
J: rei
K: lyeo
C: lih
1. Many, numerous.
2. Black.
Radical 202 (, millet).
900a.
M: l mn
J: reimin
K: lyeo min
C: lih mhn
M: hn
J: kan , samui
Cold; impoverished.
Radical 40 ().
K: han
C: hhn
902.
J: ken
M: jin
K: geom
C: gm
M:
J: ga , ueru
K: a
C: ngoh
Hungry, starving.
This character has a stronger meaning in literary Chinese than it does in
modern Mandarin. Radical 184 ().
904.
J: hy
M: pio
K: pyo
C: puh
M: su
K: se
C: seui
1. Harvest
2. Year [often of age].
The agricultural meaning is primary (and is used here), but the second,
derived meaning is probably more common. Note that this character is not
limited in literary Chinese to referring to year of life as it is in modern
Mandarin. Radical 77 ().
Commentary
23.1. (l. 1): Note that this is a topic of the sentence: As for my
relationship with the state.... Note also that can occur in the middle of a
sentence in order to emphasize a topic. is sometimes used in a similar way.
23.2. (l. 1): I exhaust my heart/mind on them and that is all.
suggests both his emotional commitment as well as his intellectual effort. The
emplies that the king does nothing but try his best.
23.3. (l. 2): "There is no one who uses his heart/mind as I do."
is the verb, with a phrase as its object; is a phrase modifying
.
23.4. (l. 3): This structure is odd in English, but the
represents not a general increase on each side but an intensification of
growing fewer or greater: do not grow fewer, do not grow more. See Lesson
2 for a similar usage of (47).
23.5. (l. 4): Rumblingly, they drum them [i.e., the soldiers] into
battle." The sound of the drums order the soldiers into battle.
23.6. (l. 4): Note that in writing in a particularly succinct style,
Mencius leaves out an explicit verb in the first clause. Supply "ran" or "went."
23.7. (l. 5): Again, notice the succinct style. Read as
.
23.8. ...(l. 6): Here is our first use of as a negative
imperative, not as a negated verb of existence or possession: "If Your Majesty
knows this, then do not hope that...."
23.9. (l. 6): That is, . Here is yet another
specialized usage of the preposition ; here it is used to express the
comparative degree. Adj. noun can be read as "is more adjective than
noun.'' For example: , "the king kinder than the prince."
23.10. (l. 7): A common idiom, literally, "cannot be overcomingly
eaten," "cannot be exhaustively eaten." English equivalent: "more than
enough to eat."
23.11. (l. 7): This is a rather rare use of , meaning "smallmeshed." (In fact, later readers chiefly recall this meaning as pertaining to
this passage specifically.) Why (ecologically speaking) is it important not to
put small-meshed nets in the ponds and pools?
23.12. (ll. 8-9): This expression is adverbially subordinated to the
clause : "in the course of nourishing/raising the living and mourning for
the dead....
23.13. (1. 9): Again, displacing the topic to the beginning of the
sentence: "As for a homestead of five mu.... (Compare Lesson 22, line 4.)
23.14. (l. 10): That is, fifty-year-olds.
Vocabulary Hints
(546a, L5) (21-2) (665) (189) (565)
(596) (47-3) (351-1) (352) (233)
(179) (579-1) (827) (35a, L2) (409)
(643-2) (129-3) (36-3) (182) (270)
(428) (433-2) (91-2) (188) (589)
(251) (194) (857) (294) (845)
Character List
i. (17)
ii. (14)
iii. (8)
iv. (7)
Lesson 24
(Section 6)
Vocabulary (906-921)
490b.
whng
M: xing wng
J: j
K: yang wang
C: sung
K: o
(1-
M: w h
J: izukunika
K: o ho
C: w fh
907.
dihng
M: dng
J: tei , j , sadameru
K: jeong
C:
M: sh
J: shi , tashinamu
K: gi
C: si
M: mio
K: myo
C: muh
M: hn
J: kan , hideri
K: han
C: hhn
M: go
J : ko
K: go
C: gu
M: yu
J: yu , y , abura
K: yu
C: yuh
Oil, varnish.
Radical 85 ().
912a.
M: yu rn
J: yzen
K: yu yeon
C: yuh yhn
M: zu
J: saku , tsukuru
K: jak
C: jok
M: yn
J: un , kumo
K: un
C: whn
Cloud.
Radical 173 (, rain).
915.
M: pi
J: hai
K: pae
C: pui
M: y (1); y (2)
J: u , ame
K: u
1. Rain
2. To rain; to let fall precipitation.
Whereas by itself can mean to rain, the expression is also used.
Radical 173 ().
917.
M: b
J: botsu
K: bal
C: buht
Sudden, abrupt.
This character is a variant of (808). Radical 85 ().
918.
M: y
J: gyo , fusegu
K: eo
C: yuh
M: m
J: boku
K: mok
C: muhk
To herd; herdsman.
Radical 93 ().
8a.
M: rn m
J: jinboku
K: in mok
C: yhn muhk
M: yn
J: in , hiku
K: in
C: yhn
921.
M: lng
J: ry , kubi
K: lyeong
C: lhng
Neck.
Radical 181 ().
Commentary
Most commentators assume that Mencius left after died and his
mediocre successor , failed to impress the philosopher.
24-1. (l. 1): There is a special nuance of meaning associated with the
characters and that you should be familiar with. Generally speaking, the
ruler, his palace, and his associations are generally thought to be private or
internal (), whereas the world of public officials and the area outside of the
palace is external (). Here, has the sense of "emerge from having an
audience."
24.2. (l. 1): is not impressed with the king
when he sees him first from a distance; when he approaches (), he does not
feel any better about him. ("a ruler of people") is often used idiomatically
to mean a capable or just ruler. : "that which was to be feared in him."
Remember that (83) can refer not merely to fear but to the sense of awe
that a great ruler will supposedly inspire in his people.
24.3. (l. 2): The question phrase tends to take a verb in the
passive: By what [how] will the world be pacified? It is likely that is
expecting to flatter him and suggest that he, the king, is the one who
can pacify (i.e., conquer) the world.
24.4. (l. 3): Who will be able to give him [the right to pacify the
world]? The use of
here suggests granting allegiance.
24.5. (l. 4): This is the first use of as a demonstrative pronoun
(this, that, etc.; 190-3) in the lesson texts. It occurs generally when the
speaker is drawing attention to something for the purpose of illustration,
example, and so forth. Your Majesty knows about sprouts, right?"
24.6. (l. 4): This is not the seventh and eighth months of the
present lunar calendar (roughly equivalent to August and September), but
those of the dynasty calendar. Actually, June and July of the modern
Western calendar is meant.
24.7. (l. 5): Here, is a "dummy" object, inserted for the rhythm of
the language. (For dummy objects in English, compare slang expressions like
"Don't overdo it!).
Vocabulary Hints
(673-2) (338) (83) (269-4) (810)
(191-3) (190-3) (221) (765) (675)
(234-3)
Character List
i. (6)
ii. (4)
iii. (2)
iv. (4)
Lesson 25
(Section 7Part 1)
Vocabulary (922-944)
102b. M: q xun wng
C: chih syn whng
J: sei sen
K: je seon wang
M: wn
J: bun , mon
K: mun
C: mhn
1. Literary; literature.
2. Culture; civil society.
3. Pattern, ornament.
Here, this character is the posthumous title of a duke. Though it is an
extremely common character, it does not occur outside of names in our texts.
Radical 65 ().
262a. () M: jn wn (gng)
(gong)
C: jeun mhn gng
K: jin mun
M: n
J: ji
K: ni
C: nih
To obstruct, to block.
This character is fairly rare, and it later comes to be used as the sinicized
Sanskrit word for "nun." Here, it is part of a personal name. Radical 44 ().
113b.
M: zhng n
J: chji
K: jung ni
C: juhng nih
M: h yu
J: nani ni yorite
K: ha yu
C: hh
925.
M: h
J: ko
K: ho
C: wh
M: h
J: kotsu
K: heul
C: haht
To gnaw
Here, this character is a personal name. Radical 211 ().
925a.
M: h h
J: ko kotsu
K: ho heul
C: wh haht
J: ken , hiku
M: qin
K: gyeon
C: hn
M: ni
J: gy , ushi
K : u
C: nguh
M: xn
J: kin , chinuru
K: heun
C: yahn
M: zhng
J: sh , shu , kane
Bell
Radical 167 ().
931.
M: h
J: koku
K: gok
C: huhk
K: sok
C: chk
M: s
J: soku
K: jong
C: jng
J: kokusoku
M: h s
K: gok sok
C: huhk chk
J: shichi
M: s d
K: sa ji
C: si deih
Execution ground.
231b. M: rn ze
chik
C: yhn jk
J: shikaraba sunawachi
K: yeon
J: y , hitsuji
M: yng
K: yang
C: yuhng
Sheep, goat.
Radical 123 ().
934.
J: hen
M: bin
K: pyeon
C: bn
M: ci
J: sai
K: jae
C: chih
M: shng
C: sung
M: sh
J: jutsu , sube
K: sul
C: seuht
K:
M: qn
J: kin , tori
K: geum
C: khm
Bird.
Radical 114 ().
939.
M: shu
J: j , kedamono
K: su
C: sau
Beast.
Radical 94 ().
940.
M: po
J: h
K: po
C: pauh
Kitchen.
Radical 53 ().
941.
M: ch
J: ch
K: ju
C: chyh
Kitchen.
is a synonym compound. Radical 53 ().
942.
M: tu
J: ta , hoka
K: ta
C: t
Other, another.
Note: This character is not used in literary Chinese as a third person pronoun,
as it is in modern Mandarin. Radical 9 ().
943.
M: cn
J: son
K: chon
C: chyn
To consider.
Radical 61 ().
944. M: du (1); d (2-3) J: do , taku , watasu
do (2) C: douh(3); dohk(1-2)
1. To consider, to infer, to calculate. *
2. To measure.
3. To cross (usually a river; used for ); to endure.
Radical 53 ().
K: tak
(1);
465a.
M:q q
J: sekiseki
K: cheok cheok
C: chk chk
Commentary
This is the longest sustained passage in the Mencius, and it lasts through
Lesson 27. If yo have trouble following the argument, you may want to
consult the paraphrase following Lesson 27.
25.1. (l. 1): and were two of the so called
Five Overlords , five rulers of the seventh and sixth centuries B.C.E. who
managed to unify China temporarily through warfare and political
machination. You encountered in Lessons 4 and 11. A third overlord,
, appeared in Lesson 8. Mencius' distaste for their approach to governing
may be observed here. is an idiomatic question used to politely
solicit information: "Can they be gotten hear about?"
25.2. (ll. 1-2): is the larger
group among which there are no . Note use of here in the
somewhat colloquial meaning of "to say," "to speak of." is saying he
cannot talk about these men because, since he was a later generation ()
disciple of Confucius, no one has passed on any information about them to
him. This is somewhat disingenuous, since the Five Overlords were quite
famous in Chinese culture.
25.3. (ll. 2-3): "Since I do not possess the wherewithal [to discuss
the Overlords], then [is it all right with you if I discuss] kingly rule instead?"
25.4. (l. 3): "Virtue like what then can rule as king?"that is,
"wha sort of virtue must I possess that it may be possible for me to rule as a
true king?" When the text uses as a verb, it usually implies "rule like
one of the virtuous kings of ancient times."
25.5. (l. 4): ="someone like me." The use of
both (122-1) and (216) here suggests incredulity on the king's part.
25.6. (l. 5): This is the same as . Here, comes
before its proper antecedent, and it may be translated as "the following."
Note that here merely introduces the quoted words of and need not be
Vocabulary Hints
(337-3) (41-2) (227) (421-2) (918) (398)
(771-2) (677) (177) (48-2) (75a, L19) (232)
(342-4) (906-1) (218-2) (580-2) (846) (729)
(252-1) (54) (813) (251) (402-2) (190b, L21)
(156-2) (68-2) (493-3)
Character List
i. (11)
ii. (3)
iii. (2)
iv. (7)
Lesson 26
(Section 7Part 2)
Vocabulary (945-972)
945.
M: jn
J: kin
K: gyun
C: gwn
M: y
J: u , ha
K: u
C: yh
Feather.
Radical 124 ().
947.
M: qi
J: sh , aki
K: chu
C: chu
Autumn.
Radical 115 ().
948.
M: ho
J: g
K: ho
C: huh
Hair.
Radical 82 ().
947a.
M: qi ho
J: shg
K: chu ho
C: chu huh
Autumn hair (particularly fine hair shed by animals when growing winter
coats).
949.
M: y
J: yo , kago , koshi
K: yeo
C: yh
Cart, cartload.
Radical 159 ().
950.
M: xn
K: sin
C: sn
Firewood.
Radical 140 ().
951.
M: fu
J: iya , ina
K: bu
C: fu
M: cho
J: ch , koeru
K: cho
M: hi
J: kai , umi
K: hae
C: hi
C: chu
Sea.
Radical 85 ().
343a.
M: zhng zh
J: chja
K: jangja
C: jung j
M: zh
K: jeol
C: jit
J: shi , ki , eda , e
M: zh
K: ji
C: j
M: li
J: rui , tagui
K: lyu
C: leuih
M: yu
J: y , osanai
K: yu
C: yau
M: yn
J: un , megurasu
K: un
C: wahn
M: zhng
J: sh , tanagokoro
K: jang
C:
M: gu q
J: kasai
K: gwa cheo
C: gw chi
Principal wife.
960.
C: yuh
M: y
K: eo
To govern, to control.
Radical 6o().
961.
J: h , kuni
M: bng
K: bang
C: bng
State, country.
Radical 163 ().
962.
M: tu
J: sui , osu
K: chu
C: tui
To extend, to push.
Radical 64 ().
452a.
M: s hi
J: shikai
K: sa hae
C: sei hi
M: qng
J: kei , karui
K: gyeong
C: hng
J: keich
K: gyeong jung
C:
Weight.
This term is a typical antonym compound, whereby two opposites together
form an abstract concept.
964.
M: dun
J: tan , mijikai
K: dan
C: dyn
Short; shortness.
Radical 111 ().
343b. M: chng dun
chuhng dyn
J: chtan
K: jang dan
C:
Length.
This term is another antonym compound.
965.
M: y
J: yoku , somosomo
K: eok
C: yk
J: k , kamau
M: gu
K: gu
C: kau
M: fi
J: hi
K: bi
C: fih
Fatty [foods].
Radical 130 ().
968.
J: dan , atatakai
M: nun
K: nan
C: nyhn
Warm.
As does here, describes clothes. Radical 86 ().
969.
M: t
J: tai , karada
K: che
C: ti
Body.
Synonym: (32), although is almost always used only to refer to the
corporeal body. Radical 188 ().
970.
M: ci
J: sai
K: chae
C: chi
fright, multicolored.
Here, this character is used for . Radical 165 ().
971.
M: yn
Note, sound.
Radical 180 ().
J: on , in , ne , oto
K: eum
C: ym
813a. M: shng yn
C: sng ym
J: seion , kowane
K: seong eum
Sound, music.
972. M: pin (1); bin (2-3)
(2) C: phn (1); bihn (2-3)
J: ben , bin
K: byeon
(1); pyeon
1. Glib, specious. *
2. Then, thereupon.
3. Convenient; convenience.
Radical 9 ().
972a.
M: pin b
J: benpei
K: byeon pye
C: phn pei
Sexual favorite.
Commentary
26.1. (l. 3): Difficult to translate, but here the idea of refers to the
strange exception of the king's merit having no effect on the common people.
Why alone is that?
26.2. (ll. 3-4): Note the use of here as "because," derived from
the coverbal usage for the sake of.
26.3. (l. 4): "The common people's not being
protected is because you aren't using your mercy on them." Note the passive
use of here (9.3). It is also interesting that Mencius equates a virtue
mercywith an ability like physical ength or keen eyesight.
26.4. (ll. 4-5): Consequently, Your Majesty's not
ruling as a true king is a 'not doing,' not a 'not being-able.' That is, the king
is deliberately not ruling as a true king, though he has the ability. The
difference between willful not doing" and inability is the subject of discussion
for the next several lines.
26.5. (ll. 6-7): Commentators feel the need to explain this vague
phrase. Literally, it should mean, to break a branch for the benefit of one's
elders, but there is no obvious cultural tradition that makes it clear why such
an action is significant. Break off a branch of fruit? Fetch firewood? Most
Vocabulary Hints
(148-2) (349) (548-4) (702) (265)
(935) (939) (613) (924) (519)
(342-2) (508) (214a, L7) (296-1) (637-2)
(505-2) (406) (414) (344) (794-1)
(47-4) (942) (320-3) (69-1) (944-2)
(72) (765) (179) (855) (5)
(395) (291) (294) (327) (22)
(593)
Character List
i. (15)
ii. (10)
iii. (3)
Lesson 27
(Section 7Part 3)
Vocabulary (973-1000)
973.
M: l J: ri , nozoku
K: li
C: leih
M: zhng gu
J: chgoku
K: jung guk
C: jng
M: f
J: bu , naderu
K: mu
C: f
M: s y
J: shi'i
K: sa i
C: sei yh
The barbarian tribes in all four directions (general term for barbarian tribes on
all sides).
975.
M: yun
J: en , yoru
K: yeon
C: yhn
M: zi
J: sai , wazawai
K: jae
C: ji
Disaster.
Radical 86 ().
977.
dihk
M: d
K: jeok
C:
Radical 66 ().
978. M: j
C: jaahp
J: sh , atsumaru , atsumeru
K: jip
M: q y
J: sonoitsu
K: gi il
C: kih yt
One of them.
This term is idiomatic enough for the meaning to be not immediately
apparentbut it still makes sense literally: "their one."
979.
M: sh
J: shi , se , hodokosu
K: si
To extend, to supply.
Radical 70 ().
980.
M: sh
J: shi
K: sa
C: sih
Official, officeholder.
Radical 9 ().
981. M: y
J: ya , no
K: ya
C: yh
M: shng
J: sh
K: sang
C: sung
Merchant.
Radical 30 ().
983.
M: l
J: ryo , tabi
To travel; traveler.
Radical 70 ().
K: lyeo
C: luih
C: s
984.
M: f
J: fu , omomuku
K: bu
C: fuh
K: so
C: sou
M: s
J: so , uttaeru
M: hn
J: kon , kurai
K: hon
C: fn
Stupid, muddleheaded.
Radical 61 ().
987.
M: mn
J: bin , hashikoi
K: min
C: mhn
Clever, quick-witted.
Radical 66 ().
988.
si
M: sh
To try, to test.
Radical 149 ().
989.
M: hng
J: k
K: hang
C: hhng
K: bang
C: fong
M: fng
J: h
1. Dissipated, unrestrained. *
2. To release, to let go.
Radical 66 ().
991.
M: ch
J: shi
K: chi
C: ch
K: si
C:
992.
J: kan , ochiiru
M: xin
K: ham
C: hahm
M: wng
J: k , ami
K: mang
C: mhng
M: shg
J: sono yue ni
K: si go
C: sih gu
K:
To look up.
Here, this character is part of a sentence pattern; see below. Radical 9 ().
995.
M: f
J: fu , fusu , utsumuku
K: bu
C: f
To look down.
Here, this character is part of a sentence pattern; see below. Radical 9 ().
994a.
ang bu
K:
J: h , aku
M: bo
K: po
C: bau
M: ji
J: ky , sukuu
K: gu
C: gau
To rescue, to save.
Note that has the idiomatic meaning save from death." Radical 66 ().
998.
J: zan , taru
M: shn
K: seom
C: sihm
To be sufficient.
Radical 154 ().
999.
M: xi
J: ka , hima , itoma
K: ga
C: hh
M: h
J: k
K: hap
C: hahp
Commentary
27.1 (l. 2): Most readers probably read here instinctually
as 218-3, an informal second person pronoun often used instead of
(525)that is, "by means of what you are doing to search for what you want."
However, this seems an unusually rude pronoun to use with the king (and in
the rest of the text Mencius simply addresses him as ).It may be that has
the sense of "seemingly" or "like," with "you" implied: "By means of doing
this sort of thing to seek the sort of thing you wish." Unfortunately, this would
be a rather clumsy usage as well.
27.2. (ll. 2-3): This phrase may seem confusing at
first, but a character-by-character reading still makes sense: "Like this its
extremity?" Mencius replies: "Probably [your behavior] possesses [aspects
that are even] more extreme than that." Note that is equivalent to ,
and that we have a case of comparative degree here (23.9), where (374;
normally "excessive") should be read "worse."
27.3. (ll. 6-7): "Areas that are a thousand li square
number nine, and Qi altogether owns/occupies one of them." From very early
on, Chinese geographers conceived of their world as a large square,
composed of 9 areas in a 3 x 3 arrangement.
27.4. (l. 7): "By means of one to cause eight to submit.... Note that
(608-3), which usually means "to submit" when used as a verb, has to be
interpreted causatively here.
27.5. (l. 7): "Perhaps we should indeed return to the
fundamentals." The claim of getting back to "the basics" was a constant in
Chinese philosophy. Mencius argues that a basic attention to the people's
livelihood is more important than military expansion.
27.6. (l. 12): Only a shi is capable of that. The here is vague it
could possibly imply effort making, that is, only shi could carry out the action
of being able to do it. However, it could be employed simply for the rhythm of
the language.
27.7. (l. 12): Strict grammarians might be confused
by the connectives employed here. The crux lies with which conceals the
fact that an if should also be supplied to the second clause, in addition to
the sense of "then" attached to the : "If it's the common people [we're
talking about], then if they don't have a constant livelihood, they therefore
won't have constant hearts." All commentators I am aware of take the
meaning thus, because they all believe that Mencius is saying that possess
some integral quality as a social class that makes them able to maintain their
ethical standards even when undergoing material suffering, as opposed to
the common people, who blow with the wind, as it were. As far as I know, no
one has interpreted this line to mean If you're talking about the common
people, then they don't have a steady livelihood and consequently don't have
steady hearts." Even though it is a simpler reading, it goes against (1) the
literatus expectation that the common people can be successfully governed
by a virtuous ruler, and (2) the literatus assumption that the common people
are inherently less morally sensitive and are not so simply because of their
poorer economic circumstances.
27.8. (l. 13): "If only then you punish them accordinglyliterally,
follow and punish them." can be used to indicate acting in an expected
manner or in accordance with other factors.
27.9. (111. 13-14): This is another puzzling
sentence. First of all, notice the new (but luckily relatively rare) use of as a
question word: How ...? This use is usually rhetorical and probably
represents a dialect variant of (620-1).
As for the rest of the sentence, it is generally accepted that the is a
sort of rhetorical emphasis of a more simple idea, , to be capable of
Vocabulary Hints
(247-2) (595-2, 595-3) (341) (38-3) (241)
(416-1) (356-2) (882) (374) (639-2)
(768) (18a, L7) (270) (546-1) (372)
(371) (953) (212-2) (608-3) (434-2)
(74) (565) (138) (779) (697)
(506-2) (281-3) (918) (634) (713-2)
(839) (821-2) (423-2) (505-1) (562)
(841) (891) (240-1) (905-1) (861)
(798) (734) (963) (155)
Character List
i. (8)
ii. (12)
iii. (2)
iv. (6)
4. Mencius then asks whether the reason why the king has so far not
extended this sense of compassion is because he is much happier stirring up
political and military chaos among the states. He then asks the king what
such violent behavior seeks to accomplishif it is merely to indulge his love
of luxury, surely his own modest court can supply his greatest desires! The
king naturally denies this essentially absurdist argument, leading Mencius to
conclude that he hopes to accomplish the ultimate ambitionto unite all of
China under his control. Mencius then suggests by analogy that violent
military action cannot accomplish unificationif the tiny state of Zou cannot
conquer the much larger state of Chu, then Qi surely cannot conquer all of
China.
5. Mencius states that the only way to unite all of China is to treat the people
well; if good administration brings prosperity to all the people of Qi, then all
the other people of China will come to Qi, and the other rulers will willingly
acknowledge the King of Qi's hegemony.
6. Mencius closes with some practical advice. Do not expect the people to be
capable of altruistic moral behavior in bad times, he suggests; they will
naturally break the law if it is a matter of survival. If you plan ahead,
however, and push through agricultural reforms (here, Mencius repeats the
program given in Lesson 23), then bad times can be handled with little
suffering on the people's part.
Note that this argument restates in dialectical form some of the essential
points of Mencian philosophy: (1) good government rests in a basic agrarian
policy that guarantees the people's livelihood; (2) such a policy will result in a
nonviolent expansion of the prestige and power of the ruler, even to the
extent that he can unify all of China (see Lesson 24); and (3) putting such a
policy into practice should be relatively easy, because it is a mere extension
of the feelings of compassion that the true "gentleman" possesses
instinctually and naturally anyway.
Lesson 28
(Section 1)
Vocabulary (i0011009)
350b.
M: zhung bo
J: s bo
K: jang po
C: jng bouh
M: j
J: ki , hotohoto
K: gi
C: gi
Almost, nearly.
Radical 52 ().
853a.
M: sh j
J: shoki
K: seo gi
C: syu gi
M: bin s
J: iro wo henzu
K: byeon saek
M: xin wng
J: sen'
K: seon wang
C: sn
M: s
J : zoku
K: sok
C: juhk
C:
227a.
M: sh s
J: sezoku
K: se sok
C: sai juhk
Popular.
1003.
J: yaku
M: yu
K: yak
C: yeuhk
Flute.
Radical 118 ().
1004.
J: shuku
M: c
K: chuk
C: chk
M:
J: gaku , hitai
K: aek
C: ngaahk
Forehead.
Radical 181 ().
1006.
M: sn
J: san , sanjiru
K: san
C: saan
To scatter, to be scattered.
Radical 66 ().
194a.
M: tin li
J: denry
K: jeon ryeop
C: thn lihp
To hunt.
1007.
M: mo
J: b
K: mo
C: muh
Pennant, flag.
Radical 70 ().
1008.
M: xn
J: kin
K: heun
C: yn
Happy, delighted.
In literary Chinese, repeating the adjective or adverb () is done for
emphasis. Radical 76 ().
1009.
M: bng
Sick; illness.
J: by , yamai
K: byeong
C: behng
Commentary
28.1.(l. 1): The king told me that he liked music." Note the
appearance of the thing said as the object of the coverb ; a more typical
way of expressing this idea would be . is speaking; he is
using his own
as a first person reference.
28.2. (l. 2): appears as the modal particle, here meaning
something like "no doubt," "certainly" (73-2). , whereas often used as the
adverb almost, can be used idiomatically without an adjective to mean at
the point of success, near its goal. is exclamatory here (122-2).
28.3. (l. 4): There are complex philosophical issues underlying
music theory in ancient China. The disciples of Confucius (the ) in general
saw music as an essential complement to ritual , and rulers usually
employed large state orchestras for the performance of music. However,
many philosophers (especially the ) also acknowledged the sensual appeal
of music and thought that some forms of music (especially the popular forms)
were injurious to morals. This was considered particularly true of music
coming from the early state of Zheng (see Analects 15.10).
28.4. (ll. 5-6): In these phrases, both meanings of are
used: [As for] the pleasure of solitary music, or the pleasure of music with
others, which is [more] enjoyable?" Chinese philosophers made much of the
pun.
28.5. ...(l. 7): Mencius constructs a series of elaborate
conditionals here: First, he gives two examples of the king taking his pleasure
if the king behaves thus and the common people are angry and upset at his
behavior, then (for , see 26.8). However, if the king
does the same thing and the common people are happy and show their
concern for his welfare, then . Mencius is not teaching the
king how to behave but giving him a diagnostic on how to tell whether he is
behaving correctly or not.
Notice also that when kings "do" things, it often implies they are having it
done. would most likely mean "have music performed."
Vocabulary Hints
(351-1) (240-1 and 240-2) (942) (643-2) (234-1)
(112) (971) (115-2) (281-1) (366)
(283) (406) (414) (753) (930)
(946) (46)
Character List
i. (4)
ii. (1)
iii. (1)
iv. (3)
Lesson 29
(Section 10)
Vocabulary (10101020)
1010.
M: xing
Bear.
Radical 86 ().
J: y , kuma
K: ung
C: hhng
1011.
gm
M: jin
K: gyeom
C:
M: r sh
J: moshi
K: yeo sa
C: yh s
If; if we suppose.
1012.
M: fn
K: beom
C: fahn
J: tan
M: dn
K: dan
C: dan
J: k , atsumono
M: gng
K: gaeng
C: gng
Soup, gruel.
Radical 123 ().
1015.
M: f
K: bul
C: ft
[Contraction of and .]
As did (163), this character originally occurred when was inverted and
placed before the verb (see 5.7). As time passed, writers and readers soon
confused it with and simply used it as a negative. Radical 57 ().
1016.
M: h
J: koku
K: ho
C: f
To abuse; abusively.
Radical 30 ().
1017.
M: r
J: ji , ni
K: i
C: yh
Radical 89 ().
1018.
M: c
J: shuku , sh , keru
K: chuk
C: chk
M: xi
J: setsu , isagiyoshi
K: seol
C: sit
M: bin
J: ben
K: byeon
C: bihn
M: gngsh
J: kyshitsu
K: gung sil
C: gng
Mansion.
Commentary
29.1. (ll. 4-5): Note that often follows the noun on
which it comments, thus calling for the following translation: Among X, there
was no one who...,for example, ,among the retainers, there was no
one who could answer." Hence, here we have, "supposing that among those
things that people desire there is nothing greater than life.... Note also that
must be read as nothing rather than no one" (the more common
meaning).
29.2. (l. 6): This is difficult to analyze. means If one
[goes] through this [kind of disreputable course of action], one can remain
alive. then gives the exception, and yet there are [cases when] it
is not used," that is, there will be times when a human being will realize that
a certain course of action even though disreputable will keep him/her alive
but he/she refuses to do it out of a sense of honor.
29.3. (ll. 6-7): This is one of the places where Mencius
comes close to making a syllogism in the traditional Western sense:
Vocabulary Hints
(959) (771-2) 821a, L21) (906-2) (39)
(596-1) (203b, L27) (163) (433-1) (784-1)
(521) (71) (210-2) (47-5) (292-2)
(618) (801) (74)
Character List
i. (4)
ii. (3)
iii. (1)
iv. (3)
Lesson 30
(Section isj
Vocabulary (1021-1032)
1021.
J: t
M: tng
K: deung
C: thng
M: wn gng
J: monk
K: mun gong
M: ji
J: ketsu , tsukusu
K: gal
C: kit
C: mhn
1023.
M: x
K: seok
C: sk
M: ti wng
J: dai
K: dae wang
C: daaih
M: bn
J: hin
K: bin
C: bn
Bin. [a place-name]
Name of an ancient land, the original home of the ; located in modern
Shaanxi . Radical 163 ().
1025.
M: d
J: teki
K: jeok
C: dihk
Di.
Name of a Western barbarian tribe. Radical 94 ().
1026.
M: zh
J: shu , ju , tama
K: ju
C: jy
Pearl; jewel.
Radical 96 ().
1027.
M: y
J: gyoku , tama
K: ok
C: yuhk
Jade.
Radical 96 ().
1028.
M: q
J: ki , shi
K: gi
C: kih
M: r sn z
My followers, my disciples.
J: ni san shi
K: i sam ja
C: yih
Literally, [my] two or three children"ever since Confucius used this term
affectionately when speaking to his closest followers, it has been a clich, and
it need not be limited to only two or three people.
1029.
J: yu , koeru
M: y
K: yu
C: yh
J: ryzan
K: lyang san
C:
Mt. Liang.
1030.
M: q
J: ki
K: gi
C: kih
Mountain path.
Here, this character is the name of a mountain. Radical 46 ().
1030a.
M: q shn
J: kizan
K: gi san
C: kih san
Mt. Qi.
1031.
M: shu
J: shu , su , mamoru
K: su
C: su
M: sh shu
J: yoyo wo mamori
K: se su
M: xio
J: k
K: hyo
C: haauh
M: xio s
J: shi wo itasu
K: hyo sa
C: haauh
Commentary
30.1. (ll. 1-2): More elaborate rhetorical form of (129b) or
(667a): "What can I do that is then OK?"
30.2. (l. 2): here has a meaning deriving from to serve, to
attend on." Since the gist here is that the barbarians are being bribed, to
appease or to bribe" would be the best translation.
30.3. (ll. 4-5): I have heard the following: A
superior person does not by means of that by which he nourishes others
harm others. This rather complicated sentence means: A good ruler will not
use the resources of his state to do violence, either to others or to his own
people. basically believes that it would be better to surrender his land to
the rather than cause the suffering of war.
30.4. (l. 7): Remember that can sometimes mean "to go where one
belongs." Here, it seems to mean, vaguely, to go where one wants to go
and thereby something like to hurry off to the market place. However, the
sense of the people supporting and following him off to exile allows to
also suggest a secondary meaning: to give allegiance to.
30.5. (l. 7): Though this may seem unduly
critical of , the best way to read this in context is a criticism of his
decision by some of his peoplesince the kingdom is the legacy of his
ancestors (), he does not have the right to abandon it. Some
commentators, however, interpret the lines to mean that some people
exhorted themselves to stay on their own land and defend it.
Vocabulary Hints
(373) (698) (798) (755) (435-2)
(341) (797) (39) (344) (846)
Character List
i. (4)
ii. (3)
iii. (2)
iv. (3)
UNIT 5
Lessons 3132
Two Warrior Women
Both of these texts date from the Six Dynasties" period (222-589 C.E.); for
most of this time, north China was under the control of a series of nonChinese empires and the south was ruled by a series of short-lived regimes.
We know most about the cultural life in the south during this time because
most educated Chinese lived there, but a number of literary texts survive
from the north as well.
The story of L J is preserved in the Sushnj (in English Record of
Searches into the Magical), a fourth-century southern collection of odd
anecdotes and legends. It is a principal source for so-called (recording
the strange) narrative, and it is one of the earliest anthologies to
demonstrate Chinese fascination with ghost stories and other occult
phenomena.
The Poem of Mulan is probably the most famous poem to survive
from the north during the Six Dynasties period, though no one is quite sure
when it was written (the fifth century seems to be most likely). It is composed
in a popular ballad style and may have come from a folk song, though it was
probably cleaned up by the highly literate scholars who transmitted it.
Lesson 31
VOCABULARY (1033-1092)
1033.
J: otsu , etsu
M: yu
K: wol
C: yuht
1034.
M: mn J: min
K: min
C: mhn
Min.
Name of a section of , this character is now often used as a poetic term for
Fujian province. Radical 169 ().
1035.
lhng
J: rei , ry , mine , ne
M: lng
K: lyeong
1036.
M: sh
J: ja , da , hebi
K: sa
C: sh
Snake, serpent.
Radical 142 ().
1037.
M: b
J: hachi
K: pal
C: baat
Eight.
Radical 12 ().
1038.
M: zhng
J: j
K: jang
C: jeuhng
341a.
M: t s
J: tozoku
K: to sok
C: tu juhk
C:
Although in this lesson's text the term is obviously meant to refer to the local
populace, the compound is very close in meaning to (227a, Lesson 28).
1039.
suhng
M: chng
J: j , sh , tsune
K: sang
C:
1. Always, invariably. *
2. Constancy; constant rule.
Note: The literary Chinese meaning of this character is slightly different from
its modern Mandarin meaning, "often." Radical 50 ().
1040.
M: y
J: ya
K: ya
C: yh
To smelt, to fuse.
Here, this character is used in a place-name. Radical 15 (, ice).
863a.
M: dng y
J: tya
K: dong ya
C: dng yh
1041.
M: d
J: to , tsu , miyako
K: do
C: du
1042.
M: wi
J: i
K: wi
C: wai
435b.
shng
Municipal.
M: sh chng
J: zokuj
K: sok seong
C: suhk
343C.
M: zhng l
J: chri
K: jang li
C: jung leih
High-ranking officials.
1043.
M: mng
J: mu , yume
K: mong
C: muhng
Dream; to dream.
Radical 36 ().
1044.
M: y
J: yu , satosu
K: yu
C: yuh
1045.
M: w
J: fu , miko , kannagi
K: mu
C: muh
1046.
M: zh
J: shuku , sh , iwau
K: chuk
C: jk
1047.
M: dn
To bite, to devour.
Radical 30 ().
J: tan
K: dam
C: daahm
J: ryoch
K: lyeong jang
C:
District magistrate.
1048.
J: hei
M: bng
K: byeong
C: bing
Together, all.
Here, this character is used as part of a synonym compound, . Radical 1
().
1049.
M: q
J: ki
K: gi
C: hei
1050.
M: b
J: hi , hashitame
K: bi
C: pih
1051.
M: sng
J: s , okuru
K: song
C: sung
1052.
M: xu
J: ketsu , ana
K: hyeol
Cave, hole.
Radical 116 ().
1053.
M: ni
To bite, to chew.
Radical 30 ().
J: kitsu
K: gyo
C: ngiht
C: yuht
1017a.
M: r sh
J: kono toki
K: i si
C: yh sh
1054.
J: yo
M: y
K: ye
C: yuh
1055.
J: bo , tsunoru
M: m
K: mo
C: mouh
To draft, to conscript.
Radical 19 ().
1056.
J: saku , motomeru
M: su
K: sak
C: saak
309a.
lohk
M: jung l
J: shraku
K: jang rak
1057.
M: l
J: ri , sumomo
K: i
C: lih
1. Plum.
2. Li. [a surname]*
Radical 75 ().
1058.
M: dn
J: tan
1. Birth.
2. Preposterous ridiculous.
K: tan
C: daan
C: jung
1057a.
M: l dn
J: ri tan
K: i tan
C: lih daan
1059.
M: j
J: ki
K: gi
C: gei
1060.
M: t
J: tei
K: je
C: tih
1061.
M: yng
J: ei
K: yeong
C: yhng
1060a.
M: t yng
J: teiei
K: je yeong
C: tih yhng
1062.
M: j
To rescue, to assist.
Radical 85 ().
K: je
C: jai
1063.
M: zo
J: sa , s , satsu
K: jo
C: ju
Early; morning.
Radical 72().
1064.
M: qin
J: sen , zeni
K: jeon
C: chhn
Copper cash.
Radical 167 ().
1065. M: lin
C: lhn
K: lyeon
283a.
gou chng
M: go qng
J: tsugete kou
K: go cheong
C:
To request.
This term is a synonym compound.
1066.
M: zh
J: seku , kamu
K: sa
C: ja
To bite.
Radical 30 ().
1067.
M: mio
J: by
K: myo
C: miuh
Temple, shrine.
Radical 53 ().
1068.
M: sh
1. Stone, rock.
K: seok
C: sehk
1069.
mih
M: m
K: mi
Rice.
Radical 119 ().
1070.
M: c
J: shi , mochi
K: ja
C: chh
Rice ball.
Radical 119 ().
1071.
M: m
J: mitsu
K: mil
C: maht
Honey.
Radical 142 ().
1072.
M: chao
J: sh
K: cho
C: chu
1073.
M: gun
J: kan , sosogu
K: gwan
C: gun
1074.
M: qn
Grain bin.
Radical 31 ().
J: kin , kon
K: gyun
C: kwn
C:
1075.
J: seki , shaku
M: ch
K: cheok
C: chek
1076.
M: jng
J: ky , kagami
K: gyeong
C: geng
Mirror
Radical 167 ().
1077. M: xing
C: hung
J: k , ka , kaoru , kaori
K: hyang
1078.
M: zhu
J: shaku , kiru
K: jak
C: jeuk
To cut, to hack
Radical 69 ().
1079.
M: chung
J: s
K: chang
C: chng
Wound.
Radical 104 ().
1080.
M: tng
J: ts , itamu
K: tong
C: tung
1081.
M: j
J: ky , isogu , aseru
1. Severe, sharp. *
K: geup
C: gp
1082.
M: yng
J: y , odoru
K: yong
C: yng
To leap, to jump.
This character is also written (774). Radical 157 ().
1083.
M: d
J: doku
K: chok
C: duhk
Skull
Radical 188 ().
1084.
M: lu
J: ro
K: lu
C: luh
Skull.
is a common synonym compound (in fact, it is rare to see these two
characters separate from each other). Radical 188 ().
1085.
M: zh
J: ta
K: ta
C: j
To upbraid, to pity.
Radical 30 ().
1086.
M: qi
J: ky , obieru
K: geop
C: hip
K: min
1087.
mhn
M: mn
C:
To pity.
Radical 61 ().
1088. M: hun
wan
C: whn
K:
1089.
M: pn
J: hei
K: bing
C: ping
1090.
baai
M: bi
K: bae
C:
1091.
M: yo
J: y
K: yo
C: yu
1092.
M: g
J: ka , utau , utai
K: ga
C: g
Song; to sing.
Radical 76 ().
COMMENTARY
31.1. (l. 2): The grammar here is ambiguous: Is this
saying that quite a few officials died, or that quite a few members of the
officials' households died? I favor the former.
31.2. (ll. 2-3): is odd here; its meaning can be derived from the
context. The author probably uses it as a synonym for the common , as
before"that is, all along (without change).
31.4. (1. 4): Here, it becomes clear that the snake-demon is not
killing people directly, but generating a poisonous aura so that local people
are dying of illness.
31.6. (l. 4): "Daughters from households that had committed crimes."
If the principal male of a family committed a crime, it was not unusual for the
entire family or clan to receive punishment.
31.7. (ll. 7-8): You have not had a single son; even though
you have [children, i.e., daughters], it's as if you had none." Even though
technically ungrammatical, is occasionally used for emphasis
purposes.
31.9. (l. 10): "a snake-biting dog." Evidently, a dog trained to hunt
snakes (even 80-foot-long demon-snakes!).
31.10. (1. 13): "She obtained several sword [blows]." Note two
idiomatic usages here: first, words for "sword" or "knife" can be used to mean
"wounds [inflicted by those weapons]"; second, in Chinese, when one "gets"
such a wound, it means (unlike in English) that one has inflicted it, not
received it.
31.11. (1. 14): This is the fourth, and last, way of indicating the
passive voice in literary Chinese: + actor + () verb. This pattern can still
be found in modern Mandarin, especially with substituting for .
Consequently, this phrase means "were eaten by the snake."
Vocabulary Hints
(863) (463-2) (92) (623) (576)
(301) (263-2) (415) (928) (933)
(14) (579-2) (684) (249) (515-1)
(545-2) (1011) (575) (6531) (658)
(211-2) (264-3) (839) (613) (599)
(632) (4a, L4) (729) (345) (64)
(437) (16) (409) (38-2) (972-2)
(352) (535-2) (22) (150) (124-2)
(990-2) (692-2) (346-2) (372) (579)
(870) (687-1) (173-2) (567) (822)
(159) (72) (811)
Character List
i. (19)
ii. (13)
iii. (7)
iv. (21)
Lesson 32
10
15
25
20
30
VOCABULARY (1093-1160)
1093.
M: j
J: shoku , soku
K: jeuk
C: jk
Clack.[onomatopoeic]
Radical.30.().
1094.
M: ln
J: ran
K: lan
C: lahn
Orchid.
Here, this character is part of a plant name. Radical 140 ().
882a.
lahn
M: m ln
J: mokuran
K: mok lan
C: muhk
Magnolia.
Here, this plant name is used as a woman's name.
1095.
M: zh
J: cho , hi
K: jeo
C: chyh
[Loom] shuttle.
Radical 75 ().
1096.
M: s
J: shi , omou
K: sa
C: s
1097.
M: y
J: oku , omou
K: eok
C: yk
1098.
M: zu
J: saku
K: jak
C: johk
J: ch , j
K: che
(1); cheop
121a.
M: k hn
J: kakan
K: ga han
C: hk hhn
1100.
M: din
J: ten
K: jeom
C: dm
1101.
M: sh
K: seo
C: sy
174a.
M: jn sh
J: gunsho
K: gun seo
C: gwn sy
1102.
M: jun
K: gwon
C: gyn
1103.
M: y
J: ya , jii , jijii
K: ya
C: yh
1104.
M:
J: a
K: a
C: a
1105.
M: r
J: ji , ni , ko
K: a
C: yh
Son, child.
Radical 10 ().
1106.
M: n
J: an , kura
K: an
C: n
saddle.
Radical 177 ().
1107.
C: tai
M: t
To replace, to exchange.
Radical 72().
K: che
1108.
J: bai , kau
M: mi
K: mae
C: maih
To buy.
Radical 154 ().
1109.
J: sen
M: jin
K: cheon
C: jn
Saddle blanket.
This type of blanket was placed underneath the saddle to prevent it from
chafing the horse's back. Radical 177 ().
1110.
M: pi
J: hi , kutsuwa
K: bi
C: bei
1111.
M: bin
J: ben , muchi
K: pyeon
C: bn
1112.
nuhng
M: ning
J: j , musume
K: nang , lang
C:
1113.
M: m
J: bo , kure , kureru
K: mo
C: mouh
582a.
M: hung h
J: kga
K: hwang ha
C: whng hh
1114.
bn
M: bin
K: byeon
C:
Side; beside.
Radical 162 ().
1115.
M: hun
J: kan , yobu
K: hwan
C: wuhn
1116.
M: dn
K: dan
C: daahn
1. Only. *
2. But, however.
The first meaning is more typical of literary Chinese, but the second meaning
can be found as well, especially in more colloquial writing. Radical 9 ().
1117.
mhng
M: mng
K: myeong
C:
1118.
M: jin
J: sen
K: cheon
C: chn
1119.
Black.
M: hi
J: koku , kuro
K: heuk
C: hk
1119a.
san
M: hi shn
J: kokuzan
K: heuk san
C: hk
Mt. Black.
This mountain is located along what was China's northeastern frontier.
1120.
J: en
M: yn
K: yeon
C: yn
Yan
Name of a state in modern Hebei province; it also becomes the general
name for the area. Radical 86 ().
1120a.
M: yn shn
J: enzan
K: yeon san
C: yn san
1121.
M: ji
J: sh
K: chu
C: ju
1122.
M: gun
J: kan , seki
K: gwan
1123.
To fly.
M: fi
J: hi , tobu
K: bi
C: fi
C: gwan
1124.
J: saku
M: shu
K: sak
C: sok
Northern.
Radical 74 ().
1125.
J: taku
M: tu
K: tak
C: tok
1126.
J: sh , terasu
M: zho
K: jo
C: jiu
1127.
M: ti
J: tetsu
K: cheol
C: tit
Iron, steel
Radical 167 ().
309b.
gwn
M: jing jn
J: shgun
K: jang gun
C: jung
6c.
M: tin z
J: tenshi
K: cheon ja
C: tn j
J: meid
K: myeong dang
C:
1128.
M: c
J: saku
K: chaek
C: chaak
Plcn, scheme; to plan; bamboo slips for writing (hence, to record, to make
a rem of).
Radical 118 ().
1129.
M: xn
J: kun , isao
K: hun
C: fn
1130.
jyun(2)
(2)
J: ten
K: jeon
C: jyn (1);
1. To turn, to revolve.
2. Revolution, spin, stage, level, promotion. *
Here, meaning #2 (stage, level, or promotion) is being used in a
technical military sense. Radical 159 ().
668a. M: shng sh
seuhng sy
J: shsho
K: sang seo
C:
1131.
M: lng
J: r
K: lang
C: lhng
1132.
M: ji
K: cha
C: je
To borrow.
Radical 9 ().
1133.
M: tu
J: da
K: ta
C: th
Camel.
Radical 187 ().
285a.
M: g xing
J: koky
K: go hyang
C: gu hung
1134.
M: gu
J: kaku , kuruwa
K: gwak
C: gwok
1135.
M: f
J: fu , tasukeru
K: bu
C: fh
1136.
M: zhung
J: sh , yosoou
K: jang
C: jng
K: ma
C:
1138.
J: kaku
M: hu
K: gwak
C: fok
1139.
heung
M: xing
J: k , ky , mukau
K: hyang
C:
To face; previouslyrecently.
For more on this character and its usage, see note on (674). As this
character can have both temporal and spatial significance. Don't confuse it
with (668)although literary Chinese writers sometimes did. Radical 30 ().
1140.
M: zh
J: cho
K: jeo
C: jy
Pig.
Radical 152 ().
1141.
M: ki
1142.
M: g
J: kaku
K: gak
C: gok
K: gae
C: hi
1143.
M: chung
J: sh , toko
K: sang
C: chhng
1144.
M: tu
J: datsu , nugu
K: tal
C: tyut
1145.
M: po
J: h
K: po
C: puh
1146.
M: zhu
J: chaku , kiru
K: chak , jeo
C: jeuk
1147.
M: ji
J: ky , furu
K: gu
C: gauh
1148.
M: chung
J: s , mado
K: chang
Window.
Radical 116 ().
1149.
M: bn
J: bin
K: bin
C: ban
C: chung
1150.
M: hu
J: ke , ka , hana
K: hwa
C: f
Flower.
Radical 140 ().
1150a.
M: hu hung
J: kak
K: hwa hwang
C:f whng
1151.
M: kn
J: kan , miru
K: gan
C: hon
1152.
buhn
M: bn
K: ban
C:
Companion; to accompany.
Radical 9 ().
749a.
M: hu bn
J: kaban
K: hwa ban
C: f buhn
1153.
M: hung
J: k
K: hwang
C: whng
195a.
M: n lng
J: jor
K: nyeo rang
C: neuih lhng
1154.
M: xing
J: y , osu
K: ung
C: hhng
1155.
M: t
J: to , usagi
K: to
C: tou
Rabbit, hare.
Radical 10 ().
1156.
M: jio
J: kyaku , ashi
K: gak
C: geuk
Foot, leg.
Radical 130 ().
1157.
M: p
J: boku , utsu
K: bak
C: pok
1157a.
M: p shu
J: bossaku
K: bak sak
C: pok sok
1158.
M: c
J: shi , mesu
K: ja
C: ch
1159.
M: m
J: mei , mayou
To wander, to be lost.
K: mi
C: mih
1160.
M: shung
J: s
K: ssang
C: sung
Pair, couple.
Radical 172 ().
COMMENTARY
32.1. Note on style and metrics: This ballad was composed sometime
between the fourt and sixth centuries, in north China (then suffering under a
series of short-lived and violent non-Chinese dynasties). It is written in early
Chinese ballad style, with folk-like repetition and dialogue. Those who know
Mandarin will also notice that in this latest of lesson text we have studied,
there appear many of the words (especially colloquial expressions) that are
found even today in ordinary speech.
Most Chinese poems are written in couplets (with even lines rhyming), and
poems tend to be written exclusively in lines of either five characters or
seven characters. However, folk poetry sometimes varies its line lengths.
Whereas this ballad is basically written in five-character lines, there are extra
characters in couplets 12, 14, 20, 21, 24, 29, and 31.
The rhyme changes several times in the course of this poem; modern
Mandarin pronunciation, though often different from the ancient Chinese, still
allows one to more or less hear the changes. Rhyme groups here fall into the
following couplets: 1-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-12, 13-14, 15-17, 18-29, and 30-31.
32.6. (couplet 25): Although the folk style is often very sloppy in the
way it uses pronouns, the use of here suggests that is speaking now
(and it is likely that she is speaking until the end of the poem).
Vocabulary Hints
(187-1) (793) (848-1 and 848-3) (545-1) (282)
(174) (522) (496-2) (625-3) (854-1)
(245) (590) (222) (925) (611-1)
(984) (756-2) (944-3) (1049) (583-1)
(901) (403) (633a, L17) (822) (548-5)
(1051) (198) (833) (44) (914)
(1076) (647) (777) (354) (869)
(620-1)
Character List
i. (20)
ii. (23)
iii. (8)
iv. (17)
Unit 6
Lessons 3340
Lesson 33
(1)
The dialogue between the River Earl and Ruo of the Northern Sea makes up
the first two-thirds of the chapter, and the first four lessons of this unit. The
argument is sophisticated and rather difficult to follow; an English language
summary of it may be found after Lesson 36.
VOCABULARY (11611194)
350c.
M: zhung z
J: sshi
K: jangja
C: jng j
K: cheon
C: chyn
M: chun
J: sen , kawa
Stream.
Radical 47 ().
1162.
J: kei , ky
M: jng
K: gyeong
C: gng
M: s
J: shi
K: sa
C: jih
Riverbank.
Radical 85 ().
1164.
M: zh
J: sho , nagisa
K: jeo
C: jy
Islet, sandbar.
Radical 85 ().
1165.
M: y
J: gai , gake
K: ae
C: ngaih
M: bin
J: ben , wakimaeru
K: byeon
C: bihn
J: kahaku
M: h b
K: ha baek
C: hh baak
J: sen , megurasu
M: xun
K: seon
C: syhn
J: menmoku
K: myeon mok
C:
Face.
1168.
J: y
M: yng
K: yang
C: yuhng
M: y y
J: yago
K: ya eo
C: yh yh
M: b y
J: hakui
K: baek i
C: baak yh
Boyi.
A recluse who refused to serve the dynasty because he remained loyal to
the ; he was often admired by Confucians. He went to live as a hermit in the
mountains, where he eventually starved to death.
1169.
M: d
J: to , tsu , miru
K: do
C: du
M: w
J: a , kaeru , kawazu
K: wa
C: w
Frog.
Radical 142 ().
1171.
M: j
J: k , kakawaru
K: gu
C: kui
M: x
J: kyo , ko
K: heo
C: hui
1. Empty. *
2. Locality, place of residence. *
Here, the second meaning is implied ( is substituted for ). The first
meaning occurs in line 10. Radical 141 ().
1173.
M: chng
J: ch , mushi
K: chung
C: chhng
Insect, bug.
This character is often used interchangeably with the radical alone ().
Radical 142 ().
1174.
M: bng
J: hy , kri
K: bing
C: bng
J: toku , atsushi
K: dok
C: dk
Ice.
Radical 15().
1175.
M: d
1. To restrict, to hamper. *
2. Large, substantialgenerous.
3. Serious.
Radical 118 ().
1176.
C: kk
M: q
K: gok
1177. M: sh
C: chk
K: sok
M: chu
J: sh , minikui
K: chu
C: chu
J: ei , michiru , mitsuru
K: yeong
M: yng
To fill
Radical 108 ().
1180.
M: wi
J: bi , o
K: mi
C: mih
Tail.
Here, this character is part of a place-name. Radical 44 ().
118oa.
M: wi l
J: biryo
K: mi lyeo
C: mih luih
M: jing
J: k
K: gang
C: gng
M: ling
J: ry , hakaru
K: lyang
C: luhng
To measure.
Radical 166 ().
1183. M: b (1); b (2)
C: bi (1); bei (2)
1. To compare.*
J: hi , kabau , kuraberu
K: bi
C:
M: x y
J: nanzo motte
K: hae i
C: hih yh
J: rai
M: li
K: noe
C: leuih
J: raik
M: li kng
K: noe gong
C: leuih hng
M: t
J: tei
K: je
C: tih
Tare (a kind of wild grass that produces an edible grain). Radical 115 ().
1186.
M: cng
J: s , kura
K: chang
C: chng
M: zhu
J: sh
K: ju
C: ju
Province, district.
Radical 47 ().
43oa.
M: ji zhu
J: kysh
K: gu ju
M: zhu
Boat.
Radical 137 ().
J: sh , fune
K: ju
C: ju
C: gu ju
1189.
tng
M: tng
K: tong
C:
J: g
M: ho
K: ho
C: huh
1. Hair.*
2. Martial, brave, heroic.
Meaning #1, used here, is an error for (948). Radical 152 ().
1191.
M: d
J: tei
K: je
C: dai
M: w d
J: gotei
K: o je
C: gh dai
M: sn wng
J: san'
K: sam wang
C: sam
M: lo
J: r
K: no
C: luh
K:
M: b
J: haku , baku
K: bak
C: bok
COMMENTARY
33.1 . (l. 1): The first phrase is a topic for
discussion: As for the greatness of the unobstructed flow. The second
phrase describes the greatness, so you may want to add something like it
was such that or "it was so great that. is a place-topic; the
style is verbose here and gives a good example of the style of the it
loves to pile words on top of one another. If one had to come up with a literal
translation, one might say: "In between the sandbars and cliffs of the two
banks." This is an elaborate way of saying "from either side of the river." The
point of the entire sentence is that the floods were great enough to expand
the banks of the river considerably on either side, so that if you were on one
side of the river looking to the opposite bank, you would not be able to tell a
horse from a cow.
33.2. (l. 2): "He took all the beauty of the world to be
exclusively in himself," that is, he thought he was the only marvelous thing in
the world.
33.3. (l. 3): A good example of the nonspecific (even chatty) use of
particles in the . serves no real purpose here other than as a vague
sentence pauser, perhaps reflecting some quality of oral speech. is also
used frequently in this way.
33.4. (l. 3): The use of here is a little puzzling, since it usually
means "to turn," "to revolve." Normally this phrase should mean "he turned
his face," but the river god is already looking out to sea. It could possibly
mean "to turn his face from side to side." A. C. Graham thinks that means
"to screw up the face," that is, to have an expression of irritation or disgust,
but I cannot discover any precedent for this interpretation.
33.5. (l.3): here is a proper name, the name of a sea god. Throughout this
section, he is referred to as , "Ruo of the Northern Sea."
Vocabulary Hints
(947) (1073) (860) (222) (446-1)
(221) (1008) (46) (551) (40)
(381) (327) (953) (743) (884)
(544) (981) (219-2) (113b, L25) (124-3)
(963) (1015) (618-2) (639-2) (212-3)
(58-2) (1139) (637-2) (688-2) (845)
(1017-2) (44) (638) (910) (519)
(427) (1049) (1068-1) (811) (128)
(452a, L26) (666) (1069) (722-2) (630-1)
Character List
i. (13)
ii. (13)
iii. (3)
iv. (5)
Lesson 34
(2)
VOCABULARY (1195-1220)
1195.
M: zhng
J: sh , akashi
K: jeung
C: jing
M: xing
J: k , ky
K: hyang
C: heung
To make clear.
Radical 72().
1197.
J: y , harukani
M: yo
K: yo
C: yuh
M: mn
J: mon , modaeru
K: min
C: muhn
M: du
K: tal
C: jyut
M: q
J: ki , tsumadatsu
K: gi
C: kih
1201.
J: tan
M: tn
K: tan
C: tan
Level, unvarying.
Radical 32 ().
1201a.
M: tn t
J: tanto
K: tan do
C: tan tuh
J: iki
M: y
K: yeok
C: wihk
Scope, realm.
Radical 32 ().
1203.
M: x
K: se
C: sai
Tiny, slender.
Radical 120 ().
1204.
M: n
J: gei , kagiri
K: ye
C: ngih
J: j
M: qng
K: jeong
C: chhng
1. Conditions, circumstances. *
2. Feelings, emotions, passions.
The first meaning (used here) is more common in philosophical writing, but in
general meaning #2 is more common. Radical 61 ().
1206.
M: wi
J: bi , mi
K: mi
C: mih
M: f
J: h , fu , bu
Enormous, gigantic.
Radical 32 ().
K: bu
C: f
1208.
J: in
M: yn
K: eun
C: yn
J: so
M: c
K: jo
C: yn
J: ron , ronjiru
M: ln
K: Ion
C: leuhn
To discuss, to debate.
Radical 149 ().
1211.
C: jihn
M: jin
K: cheon
M: l
J: rei
K: ye
C: daih
Servant.
Radical 171 (, to reach to).
460a.
M: mn l
J: monrei
K: mun ye
Gatekeeper, porter.
1213.
M: hu
J: ka
K: hwa
C: fo
Wealth, goods.
Radical 154 ().
1214.
M: w
J: u
K: o
C: w
C: mhn daih
Radical 85 ().
1215.
M: sh
J: shu , kotoni
K: su
C: syh
J: nei
M: nng
K: nyeong
C: nihng
To flatter.
Radical 9 ().
1117.
J: ten , hetsurau
M: chn
K: cheom
C: chm
To flatter.
Radical 149 ().
1218.
M: ju
J: shaku
K: jak
C: jeuk
J: kan , susumeru
M: qun
K: gwon
C: hyun
To persuade; persuasion.
Radical 19 ().
1220.
M: ch
K: chi
C: ch
Shame; to be ashamed.
Radical 61 ().
386a.
M: yu fn
J: yakubun
K: yak bun
C: yeuk fahn
COMMENTARY
34.1. (l. 1): Throughout this lesson, note again the use of size
and quantity words in the putative sense: , to consider big; , to
1. It is true that when you look at something very big from a small standpoint,
it may be too big to see; likewise, if you look at something very small from a
big standpoint, [it may be too small to see. This is what we mean by the
terms and (there is no way to know why the author uses this character
for the second term when later on he uses ).
2. However, these are relative terms. : Consequently, as
for the convenience of making distinctions, this is [something] possessed by
circumstances," that is, making distinctions is something we do for our own
convenience and can change as the situation changes. is best read
as .
3. Moreover, when we use terms like and , we are talking about things
that are still tied to physical objects that we can conceive of in our minds and
convey in words; we relate them to actual objects that have form ().
They may be too big or too small to see, but we can still conceive of them.
4. However, if you are talking about the "formless" and that which
cannot be encompassed" , you are talking about things that can no
longer be comprehended by the human mind, not simply things that are very
small or very big. (It is likely that the author here is talking about the
infinitesimal and the infinite.)
34.8. (ll. 9-10): Now then, if you look at the big from the
point of view of the tiny, then [the big thing will seem] to not end," that is,
sometimes things will seem to be infinite, but they do so only because one's
perspective makes them appear that way.
34.9. (l. 12): Here, a passive pattern is interrupted by a coverb
and its object. Hence, we have , a discussable thing; , a
discussable by means of words thing. The phrase has the same
pattern.
34.10. (l. 13): One does not determine categories of very small or
very big in them," that is, they have transcended or gone beyond such finite
measurements of size. (109), which tends to have meanings connected to
the idea of "appointment" or set time," here has a vaguer sense of to
determine, to appoint.
34.11. ... (ll. 13-14)' This passage to the end of the chapter may
seem a non sequitur. What does a discussion of the behavior of the Great
Man" have to do with metaphysical categories of size analyzed earlier?
Consequently, some have assumed that the rest of this lesson's text has
been interpolated and have removed it. However, if the author is attempting
to show how our mental categories are conventional and arbitrary, then he
can also claim that our behavior in the world should not be based on absolute
and unchanging standards as well.
This passage sets the pattern for the next several lines. First, a type of
conduct is described, followed by a phrase or phrases that suggest that the
"Great Man" is not arrogant enough to brag of his own conduct or to condemn
anyone who does the opposite. Hence, we have "For this reason, as for the
conduct of the Great Man, it does not issue forth [manifest itself] in harming
others, but it does not make much of benevolence and kindness."
34.12. (l. 15): "When he works at something,
he does not borrow anyone else's [labor]; however, he doesn't make a big
deal over the fact that he eats from his labor [i.e., earns his food by working],
and he doesn't denigrate the greedy or corrupt." It is not clear how this last
clause fits in; perhaps the author means th greedy and corrupt are adept at
making others do their work for them. There is also another possibility: Since
this is the only item in the list that consists of three clauses rather than two,
there might originally have been a phrase before that got left out at
som stage in the copying of the text.
34.13. (l. 16): "If his behavior lies with following the crowd
nonetheless he does not despise the flatterers." In terms of Chinese rhetoric,
this probabl means that he is content to be a commoner and yet does not
despise those who flatter th ruler in order to gain high status or office.
Vocabulary Hints
(948) (702) (951) (1182) (836-1)
(1039-2) (884) (546-1) (779) (1172-1)
(46) (34) (506-2) (402-2) (9)
(1159) (477) (907) (840) (826)
(263-1) (100-2) (972-3) (636) (109-1)
(105a, L16) (797) (265) (369) (935)
(1002) (595-4) (343-2) (823) (721)
(151-2) (63-2)
Character List
i. (9)
ii. (4)
iii. (4)
iv. (9)
Lesson 35
(3)
VOCABULARY (12211251)
1221. M: ch (difference); c (uneven)
(difference); ch (uneven)
J: shi , sa
K: cha
C: ch
M: qi
J: ky , ku , oka
K: gu
C: yu
Hill.
Radical 1 ().
1221a.
M: ch sh
J: sa no s
K: cha sak
C: ch sou
M: q
J: shu , omomuki
K: chwi
C: cheui
1224.
M: yo
J: gy
K: yo
C: yuh
Emperor Yao.
A legendary sage-king of ancient times. Radical 32 ().
1225.
M: ji
J: ketsu
K: geol
C: giht
[King] Jie.
Wicked last ruler of the dynasty. Radical 75 ().
1226.
M: co
J: s , ayatsuru
K: jo
C: chu
To grasp, to hold.
Radical 64 ().
1223a.
chu
M: q co
J: shu no s
K: chwi jo
C: cheui
M: shn
J: shun
K: sun
C: seun
[Emperor] Shun.
Virtuous successor to . Radical 136 ().
1228.
M: kui
J: kai
K: kwae
C: faai
M: w
J: mu , bu
K: mu
C: muh
M: b gng
J: hakuk
K: baek gong
C: baahk
A nobleman who revolted against the King of and was defeated. Note:
there is a tradition in Mandarin of reading the character as b when it is a
part of a name; consult 2.7.
1230.
M: l
J: rei , rai
K: lyeo
C: laih
1. Beautiful, lovely.
2. Rafter.*
This character is used here in meaning #2, in which it substitutes for .
Radical 198 ().
1231.
J: sh , tsuku
M: chng
K: chung
C: chng
M: zh
J: chitsu
K: jil
C: jaht
M: q
J: ki
K: gi
C: kih
M: q j
J: kiki
K: gi gi
C: kih kei
M: hu
J: ka
K: hwa
C: wh
M: li
J: ry
K: lyu
C:
Here, this character is used in the name of a horse. Radical 187 ().
1234a.
M: hu li
J: kary
K: hwa ryu
C: wh luh
J: bu , ho , toraeru , toru
M: b
K: po
C:
To catch, to apprehend.
Radical 64 ().
1237.
J: so , nezumi
M: sh
K: seo
C: sy
Rat, mouse.
Radical 208 ().
1238.
M: l
J: ri , tanuki
K: li
C: lih
Badger.
Though this character is used in the modern Chinese compound for fox
(so that some readers mistake it for such in this passage), it here refers to the
Chinese badgeran animal somewhat resembling the North American
raccoon in appearance and behavior. It is a close relative of the Japanese
tanuki, which is written with the same character. Radical 94 ().
1239.
M: shng
J: sei , sh
K: seong
Weasel.
Radical 94 ().
1240.
M: j
J: gi , waza
K: gi
Art, technique.
Radical 64 ().
1241.
M: ch
Owl
Radical 196 ().
J: shi
K: chi
C: ch
C: geih
C: sng
1242.
M: xi
J: kyu
K: hyu
C: yu
Owl.
is a synonym compound. Radical 196 ().
1243.
M: cu
J: satsu , tsumamu
K: chwal
J: s , nomi
C: ju
C: chyut
To snatch.
Radical 64 ().
1244.
M: zo
K: jo
Flea.
Radical 142 ().
1245.
M: chn
J: shin , ikaru
K: jin
C: chn
M: y
J: gu , orokashii
K: u
C: yh
M: w
J: fu , bu , shiiru
K: mu
C: muh
False; to be deceptive.
Radical 149 ().
1248. M: shn (1); chn (2)
K: seon
1. To abdicate. *
2. To meditate; meditation.
Meaning #2 is a sinicization of the Sanskrit dhyana and does not occur until
the arrival of Buddhism in China. Radical 113 ().
1249.
M: di
J: tai
K: dae
C: doih
M: sn di
J: santai
K: sam dae
C: sam doih
M: j
J: kei , tsugu
K: gye
C: gai
To continue, to inherit.
Radical 120 ().
1251.
M: cun
J: san
K: chan
C: saan
To usurp.
Radical 118 ().
COMMENTARY
35.1. (l. 1): Although has the meaning of if here, when
the character is repeated like this in two contrasting phrases, it means
"whether... or....
35.2. ... (l. 2): The following phrases are a little obscure. I will
illustrate their meaning (in true fashion) with a whimsical example. The
Way does not see anything significant about silverware, and it doesn't
privilege knives over spoons, or forks over knives. The silverware items
themselves, however, tend to see themselves as most important: We spoons
are far superior to those stupid forks." However, the cook (identified here as
) values each item based on its utilitythat is, he/she does not consider a
utensil to have any intrinsic value: This fork is good for stabbing, this knife
for cutting," and so forth.
35.3. (l. 3): The first of several similar phrases.
The general point to all of them is this: If you define a certain thing based on
a relative quality it possesses (and all qualities are relative), then one might
agree (relatively speaking) that all things can be defined by that quality.
Literally, the sentence reads: if you go by its that-which-is-considered-big
and consider it big [i.e., if you use as your standard of judgment the quality in
it that is considered big], then among all the things in the world there is
nothing that is not big."
35.4. (l. 5): Notice that is placed at the beginning of the phrase,
though it is the implied object of the verb : then as for the calculation of
difference, we may see [it]. Best to translate this phrase as the passive: the
calculation of difference is seen.
35.5. (l. 5): If you observe it from the
point of view of merit, then if you go by the quality in it that possesses
[merit] and consider it to have [merit], then among all the things of the world
there is nothing that does not possess [merit]." Note that (1) the second
must be taken as a putative verb meaning to consider [something] to
possess," and (2) the pattern violates the general rule that is
negated and replaced by he violation here comes about through the need
to maintain parallelism stylistically.
35.6. (l. 9): If we know that and
considered themselves to be right and considered each other to be wrong,
then the selection of preferences is seen.
35.7. (ll. 8-9): and , two of the greatest
legendary rulers of primordial China, are both said to have abdicated their
thrones to the most talented person available, rather than to their own sons:
abdicated to , whereas abdicated to , who ended the practice of
abdication by passing the throne to his own son (and thus beginning the
dynasty). These legends of abdication became the focus of political debate in
Chinese philosophy: Was it best for the empire for rulers to choose talented
successors or to establish a more stable hereditary line? This issue emerged
later in the person of , a minister of the state of in the fourth century
B.C.E. He persuaded , the ruler of , to abdicate the throne in imitation of
the ancient sage rulers, but the result was anarchy rather than stability.
These two phrases are somewhat awkward to translate cause of the
succinctness of the style; writers will often use allusions in a vague way
because they assume they are merely reminding their readers of something
they already know. would be used as a verb here: "continued the rule of
emperors.", similarly refers to a "severing" of coherent rule in .
35.8. (ll. 12-13): Do
you no doubt take 'right', as your teacher and consider wrong to be nothing,
and take 'governing' as your teacher and consider 'chaos'to be nothing? This
is not yet understanding the principles of heaven and earth, and the
conditions of all the things of the world."
35.9. (1. 14): "Its impracticability [lit., its not-able-to-be-practiced)
is clear.
35.10 (ll. 14-15): If it is thus [and yet] moreover you
speak [in this manner] and do not give it up, then if you are not foolish you
are being deceptive."
35.11. (l. 15): This is another phrase that is awkward to
translate. By saying the author doesn't mean that there are different
kinds of abdications, but rather that the appropriateness of abdication
manifests itself differently with different rulers. The same use applies to as
well, which here refers to the inheritance of the throne by family members
after the death of the ruler.
Vocabulary Hints
(906-1) (1024) (81) (1211) (1185)
(1069) (1169) (613) (151-2) (1023)
(223-2) (225) (851-2) (375) (1052)
(1215) (497-2) (236) (735) (4a, L4)
(282) (742) (205-2) (44) (1025-1)
(771-2) (66) (40) (1002) (621)
(195-2)
Character List
i. (7)
ii. (6)
iii. (4)
iv. (14)
Lesson 36
(4)
VOCABULARY (1252-1274)
1252.
M: yn
J: en
K: yeon
C: hn
Overflow, extremes.
Radical 144 ().
68a.
M: fn yn
J: han'en
K: ban yeon
C: fan hn
M: jin
J: ken
K: geon
C: gn
Difficulty, trouble.
Radical 157 ().
587a.
M: xi sh
J: shashi
K: sa si
C: jeh s
M: cn c
J: shinshi
K: cham chi
C: cham ch
Uneven; at odds.
Note the distinctive Mandarin pronunciation in this compound.
1254.
M: yu
J: y
K: yu
C: yuh
M: sh
J: sha
K: sa
C: sh
M: fn
J: han , ukabu
K: beom
C: faan
M: s fng
J: shih
K: sa bang
C: sei fng
J: shin
M: zhn
K: jin
C: jn
M: chng
J: j , sh , ukeru
K: seung
C:
M: sh
J: ji , tanomu
K: si
C: chh
M: mn
J: man , mitsuru
K: man
C: mhn
M: xio
J: sh , kesu , kieru
K: so
C: su
1261a.
M: xio x
J: shsoku
K: so sik
C: su sk
J: sh
M: zhu
K: chwi
C: jaauh
To rush, to gallop.
Radical 187 ().
1263.
M: r
J: netsu , atsui
K: yeol
C: yiht
To heat; to burn.
Radical 86 ().
1264.
M: n
J: deki , oboreru
K: nyo
C: nk
To drown.
Radical 85 ().
1265.
M: sh
K: seo
C: sy
M: b
J: haku , usui
K: bak
C: bohk
J: kyosh
M: qji
K: geo chwi
M: zh
J: teki
K: cheok
C: jaak
To falter, to hesitate.
Radical 157 ().
1268.
M: zh
J: choku
To falter, to hesitate.
K: chok
C: juhk
C: heui jauh
J: kutsu , kogomu
M: q
K: gul
C: wt
M: shn
K: sin
C:
To stretch.
This character is a different version of (728). Radical 9 ().
1271.
M: lu
J: raku
K: nak
C: lohk
1. To fall
2. To halter, to bridle. *
Though meaning #2 is used here, in a substitution for , meaning #1 is the
one you should learn. Radical 140 ().
1272.
J: sen , ugatsu
M: chun
K: cheon
C: chyn
To pierce.
Radical 116.
1273.
M: b
J: bi , hana
K: bi
C: beih
Nose.
Radical 209 ().
1274.
M: xn
J: jun , junjiru
K: sun
C: sun
COMMENTARY
36.1. (l. 1): If I refuse or accept things; if I prefer them or discard
them."
Vocabulary Hints
(1223) (677a, L18) (81) (1171) (407)
(415) (14) (212-4) (1022) (1011)
(535-1) (810) (635) (102-2) (964)
(1171-2) (383) (1179) (1210) (735)
(862) (690-1) (824) (797) (749)
(901) (938) (939) (655-2) (796-1)
Character List
i. (6)
ii. (4)
iii. (7)
iv. (6)
5. The sea god then goes on to continue the lesson relativity offers for human
conduct: The wise man will follow a code of conduct, but he will not boast of
his conduct, nor will he make it an absolute code that he expects others to
follow.
6. The River Earl, however, still finds that he must make judgments, and asks
what procedure he should follow. The sea god suggests that different
judgments will result from different perspectives: It isn't so much that one
should not make judgments at all, but rather that when one does make them,
one should be aware that such judgments are rooted in contingent factors
present only in that situation. Opposites are dependent on each other to
come into existence; different things are good for different tasks. History's
lessons are not absolute, but rooted in circumstances.
7. The River Earl is now completely frustrated, because he feels that the
contingency of circumstances will make it impossible for him to ever make
any decisions or choices. The sea god tells him that if he remains aloof and as
tolerant as possible among all the possible choices, he can go with the flow"
and pick what seems best at any given moment. The important thing is to not
try to deliberately change things or alter the forces of transformation. If the
wise man acts in this way, he will become a sort of "magician," seemingly
indifferent to the constraints of the physical cosmosor rather, he will remain
indifferent to the forces of change and will be happy in them. The important
thing above all is to not be "deliberate" or try to violate the natural
inclinations of things.
Lesson 37
(5)
VOCABULARY (1275-1289)
1275.
The Kui.
M: ku
J: ki
K: gi
C: kwih
M: xin
J: ken , gen
K: hyeon
J: f , kaze
K: pung
C: yhn
Millipede.
Radical 142 ().
1277.
M: fng
C: fng
Wind, breeze.
Radical 182 ().
1278.
M: chn
J: chin
K: cham
J: taku
K: tak
C: chm
M: chu
C: cheuk
M: tu J: da , tsuba
K: ta
C: tuh
To spit; spittle.
Radical 30 ().
1281.
M: pn
J: fun , fuku
K: bun
C: pan
M: w
J: mu , kiri
K: mu
C: mouh
Fog, mist.
Radical 173 ().
1283.
M: z
J: z , zatsu , majiru
To be mixed together.
Radical 172 ().
K: jap
C: jaahp
6d.
M: tin j
J: tenki
K: cheon gi
C: tn gi
Natural capability.
This meaning is derived from the generalized use of (848-2) to mean
mechanism; hence, this term is literally "Heaven[-endowed] mechanism."
1284.
M:j
seki
K: cheok
C: jek
bone, spine.
Radical 130 ().
1285.
M: xi
J: ky
K: hyeop
C: hip
Ribs
Radical 130 ().
1286.
M: png
J: h
K: bong
C: fhng, phng
M: zh
K: ji
C: j
J: sh ; fumu (2)
K: chu
C:
M: fi
J: hi , tobu
K: bi
C: fi
To fly.
This character is a nonstandard version of used here in a causative sense.
Radical 142 ().
COMMENTARY
37.1. The chapter here proceeds to give a series of short anecdotes. It is
likely that the original editor of the had a large body of miscellaneous
material that he added to longer texts whenever he thought there was a
similarity in content. Most of these anecdotes seem to emphasize (1) the
relativity of human knowledge and of conceptual categories, (2) the
importance of being content with one's fate, and (3) the dangers caused by
limitations in one's perspective.
37.2. (l. 2): Here, it seems likely that the is boasting of his ability to
get along with one leg and is surprised at the success of the millipede. Thus,
most readers take it as as for me, there is nothing that comes up to [me]
(although the usual way of expressing this idea would have been ). This
is thus a variant of the pattern (4.6).
37.3. (l. 6): Note the use of here, which
introduces a reason or cause.(to resemble, to imitate; 338) is also used
in an unusual way and is probably best interpreted as a physical form" (i.e.,
something that resembles bodies in general). "I go by moving my backbone
and ribs[but] then I have a physical form [unlike you]."
37.4. (l. 9): I make the multitude of little non-victories into a
big victory."
Vocabulary Hints
(I065) (I036) (156-2) (I026) (270)
(296-1) (369) (620-1) (132) (954)
(84) (17)
Character List
i. (3)
ii. (2)
iii. (1)
iv. (9)
Lesson 38
(6)
VOCABULARY (1290-1303)
1290.
M: kung
J: ky
K: gwang
C: hng
Kuang. [a place-name]
Name of a territory, part of .Radical 22 ().
1291.
J: s
M: sng
K: song
C: sung
M: z
J: s
K: jap
C: jaap
M: xin
J: gen , ito
K: hyeon
C: yhn
M: chu
K: cheol
1. To be grieved, to be distraught.
2. To stop. *
Here, meaning #2 is a substitution for . Radical 61 ().
29b.
Zilu.
M: z l
J: shiro
K: ja ro
C: j louh
C: jyut
One of s most famous disciples; his full name was and his polite
name was . Note that later addresses him by his personal name.
1295.
J: go , tanoshimu
M: y
K: o
C: yh
J: ki , imu
M: hu
K: hwi
C: wih
M: zhu
J: ch
K: ju
C: jauh
[King] Zhou.
Wicked last ruler of the dynasty. Radical 120 ().
1298.
J: k
M: jio
K: gyo
C: gau
River serpent.
Radical 142 ().
1299. M: y
eo
C: yh
K:
Fishing; fisherman.
Radical 85 ().
1300.
M: l
K: yuk
C: luhk
dry land.
Radical 170 ().
1301.
M: s
J: shi , ji
K: si
C: jih
Rhinoceros.
Chinese illustrations picture the animal this character designates more as a
sort of fierce wild bull. Radical 10 ().
1302.
M: h
J: ko , tora
K: ho
C: f
J: rin , nozomu
K: lim
Tiger.
Radical 141 ().
1303.
M: ln
C: lhm
K:
M: yng h
J: y ko
K: yang ho
C: yuhng f
Yang Hu.
A notorious adventurer.
COMMENTARY
38.1. The enjoys telling stories about . Sometimes it makes fun of
him; sometim it appropriates him as a sage of special wisdom with a
perspective quite different fro that of a conventional . This anecdote is an
elaboration of an enigmatic passage in the collection of Confucius' aphorisms,
the Analects , that states that the Master (Confucius) "was put in mortal
danger" in . Later accounts suggest that this occurred because while
traveling he was mistaken for an unsavory adventurer from by the name of
.
38.2. (l. 1): Because most readers know the story alluded to here,
there is little chance they would be confused by this otherwise ambiguous
passage. Context eventually makes it clear to us: The people of are
besieging the house that Confucius presently occupies, but he shows no
alarm, instead playing his zither and singing.
38.3. (ll. 1-2): A rhetorical pattern; equivalent to , but more
strongly stated.
38.4. , (l. 7): "You, be calm!" here is the personal name of .See
29b., "to dwell," "to reside," has to be expanded to something like "be still,"
"be calm."
38.5. (1. 7): "In my fate there is that which is [already]
controlled," that is, there are some things I can do nothing about. The
suggests "already" here.
Vocabulary Hints
(287) (1092) (195-2) (1189-2) (1224)
(1227) (1225) (636) (425-3) (329)
(691) (348) (737) (897) (867)
(600-3) (673) (17) (786)
Character List
i. (4)
ii. (5)
iii. (1)
iv. (4)
Lesson 39
(7)
VOCABULARY (1304-1358)
1304.
M: sn
J: son , mago
K: son
C: syn
Grandson, grandchild.
Here, the character is part of a two-character surname,, grandson of the
duke. This is typical of some early surnames, which seem to have been
granted to relatives of royal families once they were no longer eligible to
inherit noble positions. Radical 39 ().
104c.
ryong
K: gong son
Gongsun Long.
Name of a prominent logician and philosopher. The logicians, like the Sophists
in ancient Greece, were famous for being more interested in the technical
side of argumentation and persuasion than in uncovering philosophical
wisdom. was influenced by their love of paradox, but he was also critical
of them; he felt that their manipulation of language demonstrated that it was
ultimately inadequate as a tool to convey reality, and that ultimate reality lay
beyond language. became most notorious for his paradox , a
white horse is not a horse."
1305.
M: mu
J: b
K: mo
C: muh
Barley.
This character is relatively rare, except in names (as it is used here). Radical
93 ().
492a.
M: wi mu
J: gi b
K: wi mo
C: ngaih muh
Mou of Wei.
Name of a prince. Later in the text he is referred to as , Prince Mou.
1306.
M: jin
J: ken , katai
K: gyeon
C: gn
Hard, unyielding.
Radical 32 ().
1307.
M: mng
J: b
K: mang
C: mhng
1308.
J: kai , kuchibashi
M: hu
K: hwe
C: fui
Beak.
Here, this word is used comically to describe the mouth. Radical 30 ().
1309.
M: j
J: ki , tsukue
K: gwe
C: gi
Armrest.
A long, narrow, bench-shaped piece of furniture used to lean on while sitting
on a mat. Radical 75 ().
580a.
M: yn j
J: ki wo yoru
K: eun gwe
C: yn gi
To lean on an armrest.
This meaning of tends to occur almost exclusively in the expression .
1310.
M: kn
J: kan , kon
K: gam
C: hm
M: tio
J: ch , haneru , tobu
K: do
C: tiu
To leap, to jump.
Radical 157 ().
1311a.
luhng
M: tio ling
J: chry
K: do ryang
C: tiu
M: hn
J: kan
K: han
C: hhn
M: xi
J: ky , yasumu , ikou
K: hyu
C:
Radical 9 ().
1314.
kyut
M: qu
K: gyeol
C:
To lack; to be missing.
Radical 121 (, pot).
1315.
M: zhu
J: sh
K: chu
C: jau
Tile.
Radical 98 (, tile).
1316.
J: eki
M: y
K: aek
C: yihk
Armpits.
Radical 130 ().
1317.
M: y
J: i , otogai , ago
K: i
C: yh
Chin, jaw.
Radical 181 ().
1318.
J: ketsu
M: ju
K: gwol
C: kyut
To slip, to stumble.
Radical 157 ().
1319.
M: n
J: dei , doro
K: ni
C: nih
M: m
K: mol
C:
To sink.
Note: The modern Mandarin use of this character (i.e., ) does not occur in
literary Chinese. Radical 85 ().
1321.
M: f
J: fu
K: bu
C: f
Heel
Radical 157 ().
1322.
J: kan
M: hn
K: han
C: hhn
Mosquito larva.
Radical 142 ().
1323.
M: xi
J: kai , kani
K: hae
C: haih
Crab.
Radical 142 ().
1324.
M: k
J: ka
K: gwa
C: f
M: du
J: to
K: du
C: du
M: k du
J: kato
K: gwa du
C: f du
Wadpole.
1326.
M: hu
J: gaku , kaku
K: hak
C: kok
Ravine; hole.
Radical 32 ().
1327.
M: ku
J: ko , ka , matagaru
To bestride, to occupy.
Radical 157 ().
1328.
M: zh
J: chi
K: chi
C: jih
K: gwa
C: kw
M: x
J: shitsu , hiza
K: seul
C: st
Knee.
Radical 130 ().
1330.
M: zh
J: chitsu
K: jip
C: jp
M: qn
J: shun
K: jun
C: sun
M: xn
J: jun , meguru
K: sun
C: chuhn
J: shunjun
M: qn xn
K: jun sun
C: sun
M: qu
J: kyaku , shirizoku
K: gak
C: keuk
M: rn
J: jin
K: in
C: yahn
M: y
[Emperor] Yu.
J: u
K: u
C: yh
Ancient sage-ruler, controller of the floods and founder of the . Radical 114
().
1336.
M: lo
J: ry , r
K: lyo
C: louh
M: sn
J: son , sonsuru
K: son
C: syn
C: tk tk yhn
J: tekitekizen
M: gu
J: ki
K: gyu
C: kwi
J: kikizen
M: wn
J: bun , ka
K: mun
C: mn
Mosquito.
Radical 142 ().
1340.
M: j
J: kyo
K: geo
C: geuih
Centipede; fly.
Here, this character is part of a compound. Radical 142 ().
982a.
geuih
M: shng j
J: shkyo
K: sang geo
C: sung
Millipede
1341.
M: mio
K: myo
J: my
C: miuh
M: c
J: shi , fumu
K: cha
C: ch
J: sen , izumi
M: qun
K: cheon
C: chyhn
C: whng chyhn
J: ksen , yomi
K: hwang cheon
J: t , noboru
M: dng
K: deung
C: dng
To climb, to ascend.
Radical 105 ().
1345.
M: hung
J: k ,
K: hwang
C: whng
M: d hung
J: taik
K: dae hwang
The sky.
This term is a poetic expression.
1346.
M: sh
J: seki , shaku
K: seok
C: sk
C: daaih
Radical 37 ().
1347.
J: rin , shizumu
M: ln
K: lyun
C: luhn
M: c
J: soku , hakaru
K: cheuk
C: chak
To predict, to fathom.
Radical 85 ().
1349.
J: mei , my
M: mng
K: myeong
C: mhng
M: ku
J: ki , ukagau
K: gyu
C: kwi
M: zhu
J: sui , kiri
K: chu
C: jui
Awl
Radical 167 ().
585a.
lhng
M: shu lng
J: jury
K: su neung
Shouling.
A town located in .
301b.
M: yz
J: yoshi
K: yeo ja
C: yh j
Young boy.
This term is rare.
1352.
M: hn
J: kan
K: han
C: hhn
C: sauh
M: dn
J: tan
K: dan
C: dan
M: hn dn
J: kantan
K: han dan
C: hhn
Handan.
A city that was the capital of .
1354.
M: p
J: ho
K: po
C: puh
M: f
J: fuku
K: bok
C: baahk
M: p f
J: hofuku
K: po bok
M: y
J: gy
K: eop
C: yihp
Occupation, profession.
Radical 75 ().
1357.
M: q
J: ka
K: geo
C: kui
K: il
C: yaht
To gape.
Radical 30 ().
1358.
M: y
J: itsu
C: puh baahk
Commentary
39.1. (l. 2) were set examples employed by logicians to discuss the
inherent qualities a physical substances. To distinguish hard and white
meant to engage in logical debate.
39.2. (l. 2): I said that what was not true was true, and what
was n feasible was feasible.
39.3. (l. 3): This is a sentence incorporating two
indirect questions. An indirect question structure is relatively rare in literary
Chinese, but it bears some attention. You may remember that indirect
statements (12.5) tend to follow a verb of knowing or perception, are
nominalized by , and usually close with a :
I know that the Qin army is about to invade Chu.
Indirect questions are marked by a final question particle, rather than by .
Instead of describing an event or fact that is perceived or known by the
subject, they merely inform the reader that the subject knows the truth of an
event or fact. An indirect question can be represented in English by
"whether":
I know whether the Qin army is about to invade Chu.
Do not be confused by the fact that sentences that contain indirect questions
end with a question particlethey aren't questions per se.
In our lesson text here, we have governing two indirect questions:
: I don't know whether my discussions do not come up [to his].
[]: [I don't know] whether my knowledge doesn't compare with
his.
can of course be analyzed as =, not as good as it.
Since the controls two contrasting possibilities, we have a whether...
or... sentence: I don't know whether my discussions do not come up to his,
or whether my knowledge doesn't compare with his." is unsure whether
the difficulty he has understanding is because his understanding of
argumentation ()is inadequate, or because his level of knowledge () is
inadequate.
39.4. (ll. 4-5): Have you alone not heard about that frog
in a crumbling well? is used at times to introduce a parable or fable;
the implication of the phrase is are you the only one clueless enough not to
have heard the famous story of .? The use of the demonstrative (190-3)
Vocabulary Hints
(782) (493-1, 493-2) (447) (1155) (824) (1210)
(1141) (994) (1170) (877) (1165) (984)
(233) (198) (284) (92) (632)
(514) (962) (898) (735) (1192) (604-2)
(425-4) (186) (705) (1189-3) (1056) (643-2)
(112) (1287) (293) (126)
Character List
i. (9)
ii. (11)
iii. (10)
iv. (25)
Lesson 40
(8)
Vocabulary (1359-1374)
1359.
J: ch , tsuru
M: dio
K: jo
C: diu
J: kan , sao
M: gn
K: gan
C: gn
Fishing pole.
Radical 118 ().
1361.
M: gu
J: ki , kin , kame
K: gwi
C: gwi
Tortoise.
Radical 213 ().
1362.
M: jn
J: kin , haba
K: geon
C: gn
M: s
J: su , shi , ke
K: sa
C: jih
Box, trunk.
Here, this character is used as a verb: to put in a trunk. Radical 118 ().
65c.
M: hu z
J: eshi
K: hye ja
C: waih j
Master Hui.
Name of a philosopher and friend of ; like (104c, Lesson 39), he is
associated with the logician school.
1364.
M: su
J: s , sagasu
K: su
C: su
To search.
Radical 64 ().
1365.
M: yun
J: en
K: won
C: yn
M: ch
J: s
K: chu
C: chh
Chick, fledgling.
Here, this character is part of a bird's name. Radical 196 ().
1365a.
M: yun ch
J: ens
K: won chu
C: yn
Phoenix.
This mythological bird never became famous in Chinese lore, but later
traditions identify it as being the same as the (usually translated as
"phoenix").
1367.
M: w
J: go
K: o
C: gh
M: tng
J: d
K: dong
C: thng
M: w tng
J: god
K: o dong
C: gh thng
M: lin
J: ren
1 To train, to practice.
K: lyeon
C: lihn
M: l
J: rei , rai
K: lye
C: lih
M: f
J: fu , kusareru
K: bu
J: kaku
C: haak
C: fuh
Rotten, decaying.
Radical 130 ().
1372.
M: h
K: hyeok
M: ho
J: g
K: ho
C: huh
M: chu
J: cho
K: jo
C: yuh
Minnow.
Radical 195 ().
625a.
yhng
M: cng rng
J: shy
K: jong yong
C: chhng
Commentary
40.1. (l.1): The emissaries are announcing in advance what the King of
Chu wishes to tell ; thus, even though this is not a typical meaning of the
character, is best taken as "to announce" here. Compare English usage, "to
forward a message."
40.2. (l. 1): This is the euphemistic language of request: "I wish
to burden you with [affairs] within the borders," that is, I wish to employ you
in my government. Of course, takes the sense of "burden" literally.
40.3. (ll.13-14): (167) is used here in an almost technical
logical sense, meaning "decisively proven" (derived from the sense of "to be
complete").
40.4. (ll. 14-16): Note the use of (762) here: It
sometimes comes at the end of a phrase to mark the end of the quotation
("end quote") or gestures vaguely toward the rest of the thought ("etcetera").
"You said 'how do you know that the fish are happy' and so forth." The joke
here is that by phrasing the question in this way, supposedly admits that
did know and only wanted to know how he knew. Later, the joke rests on
the multiple meanings of as both "how" and "where." It is nearly
impossible to convey the pun in English, though the rather archaic word
"whence" (meaning both "from where" and "how") works somewhat: "Whence
do you know the fish are happy?"
Vocabulary Hints
(570) (105b, L22) (378) (575) (532-1)
(905-2) (697) (1067) (796-3) (817)
(868) (1180) (506-1) 1249-2) (1123)
(339-1) (1343) (1241) (1237) (944)
(851-1 and 851-3) (167) (43)
Character List
i. (5)
iii. (1)
iv. (10)