Understanding "潼关吏" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 潼关吏
• Pinyin: Tóng Guān Lì
• Literal Meaning: "Tong Pass Official" (潼关 = Tong Pass, 吏 = official/clerk)
• Primary Meaning: Refers to an official or clerk stationed at the Tong Pass (潼关), a historically significant military fortress in ancient China.

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"潼关吏" is a term rooted in Chinese history and literature. It specifically denotes low-ranking officials or clerks who worked at the Tong Pass, a strategic gateway during ancient times. The term often appears in classical poetry or historical texts, symbolizing the hardships faced by minor officials in remote or militarily significant locations.

In modern usage, the term is rare but may appear in historical discussions, literary analyses, or cultural references to Tang Dynasty poetry (e.g., Du Fu's works).

Character Breakdown

• 潼 (Tóng): Refers to the Tong Pass (潼关), a famous mountain pass in Shaanxi Province, known for its military importance.
• 关 (Guān): Means "pass" or "frontier gate," often used for strategic checkpoints.
• 吏 (Lì): A general term for low-ranking officials or clerks, typically associated with administrative or military duties.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 杜甫的诗中提到了潼关吏的艰辛生活。
   Pinyin: Dù Fǔ de shī zhōng tí dào le Tóng Guān Lì de jiān xīn shēng huó.
   English: Du Fu's poem mentions the hardships of the Tong Pass officials.

2. Chinese: 潼关吏在战争中负责检查过往行人。
   Pinyin: Tóng Guān Lì zài zhàn zhēng zhōng fù zé jiǎn chá guò wǎng xíng rén.
   English: During the war, the Tong Pass officials were responsible for inspecting travelers.

3. Chinese: 这位潼关吏默默守护着边疆多年。
   Pinyin: Zhè wèi Tóng Guān Lì mò mò shǒu hù zhe biān jiāng duō nián.
   English: This Tong Pass official silently guarded the border for many years.

Cultural Notes

The Tong Pass (潼关) was a critical defensive location in ancient China, often mentioned in Tang Dynasty poetry. Du Fu, a renowned poet, wrote about the lives of soldiers and officials stationed there, highlighting their struggles. The term "潼关吏" reflects the broader theme of duty and sacrifice in Chinese historical narratives.

Conclusion

"潼关吏" (Tóng Guān Lì) refers to officials stationed at the historically significant Tong Pass. While rarely used today, it holds literary and cultural importance, especially in classical poetry. Remember it as a symbol of duty and resilience in ancient China.