Understanding "离思五首·其四" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 离思五首·其四
• Pinyin: Lí sī wǔ shǒu · qí sì
• Literal Meaning: "Parting Thoughts, Five Poems · The Fourth One"
• Primary Meaning: This is the title of the fourth poem in a series of five poems written by the Tang Dynasty poet Yuan Zhen (元稹). The poem expresses deep sorrow and longing after separation from a loved one.

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"离思五首·其四" is one of the most famous love poems in Chinese literature. It reflects the poet's grief and nostalgia after losing his beloved wife. The poem is often cited to express enduring love and the pain of separation. It is commonly studied in Chinese literature classes and referenced in romantic contexts.

Character Breakdown

• 离 (lí): to part, to leave
• 思 (sī): thoughts, longing
• 五 (wǔ): five
• 首 (shǒu): poem (measure word for poems)
• 其 (qí): its, the (referring to the fourth in the series)
• 四 (sì): four

Together, the title means "Parting Thoughts, Five Poems · The Fourth One."

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 元稹的《离思五首·其四》是中国古代最著名的爱情诗之一。
   Pinyin: Yuán Zhěn de "Lí sī wǔ shǒu · qí sì" shì Zhōngguó gǔdài zuì zhùmíng de àiqíng shī zhī yī.
   English: Yuan Zhen's "Parting Thoughts, Five Poems · The Fourth One" is one of the most famous love poems in ancient China.

2. Chinese: 这首诗表达了诗人对逝去爱人的深切怀念。
   Pinyin: Zhè shǒu shī biǎodá le shīrén duì shìqù àirén de shēnqiè huáiniàn.
   English: This poem expresses the poet's deep longing for his departed beloved.

3. Chinese: 《离思五首·其四》中的“曾经沧海难为水”广为流传。
   Pinyin: "Lí sī wǔ shǒu · qí sì" zhōng de "céngjīng cānghǎi nán wéi shuǐ" guǎng wéi liúchuán.
   English: The line "Having sailed the vast ocean, one finds it hard to admire mere rivers" from "Parting Thoughts, Five Poems · The Fourth One" is widely quoted.

Cultural Notes

This poem is renowned for its emotional depth and literary beauty. The line "曾经沧海难为水" (Having sailed the vast ocean, one finds it hard to admire mere rivers) is often used metaphorically to describe an irreplaceable love or experience. Yuan Zhen wrote this poem in memory of his late wife, making it a touching example of classical Chinese elegiac poetry.

Conclusion

"离思五首·其四" is a masterpiece of Tang Dynasty poetry, capturing the timeless theme of love and loss. Its famous lines continue to resonate in modern Chinese culture, making it an essential study for learners of Chinese literature.