Understanding "折桂令·春情" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 折桂令·春情
• Pinyin: Zhé guì lìng · chūn qíng
• Literal Meaning:
• 折桂 (zhé guì): "to break the osmanthus branch" (an idiom meaning "to achieve success," especially in imperial exams).
• 令 (lìng): a type of poetic song or tune in classical Chinese literature.
• 春情 (chūn qíng): "spring emotions" or "romantic feelings of spring."
• Primary Meaning:
  "折桂令·春情" is the title of a classical Chinese poem or song lyric (词 cí) that expresses romantic or sentimental feelings, often associated with the spring season. It belongs to the literary genre of "散曲 sǎn qǔ" (non-dramatic songs) from the Yuan Dynasty.

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage:
  "折桂令·春情" is not a standalone word but the title of a famous poetic work by the Yuan Dynasty writer 徐再思 (Xú Zàisī). It describes the tender and melancholic emotions of love, often linked to the imagery of spring. The phrase is primarily encountered in classical Chinese literature and music. Modern usage is rare unless discussing historical poetry or art.

• Character Breakdown:

• 折 (zhé): "to break" or "to snap," symbolizing triumph (as in breaking a branch of the osmanthus, a metaphor for passing imperial exams).
• 桂 (guì): "osmanthus," a fragrant flower representing success and nobility.
• 令 (lìng): a poetic song form, often lyrical and melodic.
• 春 (chūn): "spring," symbolizing youth, love, and renewal.
• 情 (qíng): "emotions" or "feelings," often romantic in this context.

3. Example Sentences

Since "折桂令·春情" is a literary title, it is not used in everyday sentences. However, here are examples of how one might reference it:

1. Chinese: 徐再思的《折桂令·春情》描写了春天的浪漫情感。
   Pinyin: Xú Zàisī de 《Zhé guì lìng · chūn qíng》 miáoxiě le chūntiān de làngmàn qínggǎn.
   English: Xu Zaisi's "Zhe Gui Ling · Spring Emotions" depicts the romantic sentiments of spring.

2. Chinese: 这首《折桂令·春情》是元曲中的经典之作。
   Pinyin: Zhè shǒu 《Zhé guì lìng · chūn qíng》 shì yuánqǔ zhōng de jīngdiǎn zhī zuò.
   English: This piece, "Zhe Gui Ling · Spring Emotions," is a classic work of Yuan poetry.

3. Chinese: 他在音乐会上演奏了《折桂令·春情》的古琴版本。
   Pinyin: Tā zài yīnyuèhuì shàng yǎnzòu le 《Zhé guì lìng · chūn qíng》 de gǔqín bǎnběn.
   English: He performed a guqin (ancient zither) version of "Zhe Gui Ling · Spring Emotions" at the concert.

Cultural Notes

• The osmanthus (桂) is a symbol of scholarly achievement in Chinese culture, as "折桂" (breaking the osmanthus branch) historically referred to passing the imperial exams.
• Spring (春) is a common motif in classical poetry, representing love, longing, and the fleeting nature of beauty.
• The Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) was a golden age for 散曲 (sǎn qǔ), a type of lyrical poetry often set to music.

Conclusion

"折桂令·春情" is a poetic title encapsulating the romantic and melancholic feelings of spring, rooted in classical Chinese literature. While not used in modern conversation, it remains a beautiful example of Yuan Dynasty lyrical artistry, blending natural imagery with deep emotion. Remember: 折桂 symbolizes success, and 春情 evokes the tender moods of spring.