Understanding "秋雨叹" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 秋雨叹
• Pinyin: qiū yǔ tàn
• Literal Meaning: "autumn rain sigh"
• Primary Meaning: A poetic expression describing a melancholic or reflective sigh evoked by autumn rain, often symbolizing sorrow, nostalgia, or contemplation.

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"秋雨叹" is a literary and poetic phrase, often used in classical Chinese poetry or prose to convey a sense of wistfulness, loneliness, or introspection triggered by the sight or sound of autumn rain. Autumn (秋) in Chinese culture is associated with decline and melancholy, while rain (雨) amplifies this mood. The sigh (叹) reflects a deep emotional response, making the phrase rich in emotional and seasonal symbolism.

Character Breakdown

• 秋 (qiū): "autumn" – Represents the season, often linked to change, harvest, and decline in Chinese culture.
• 雨 (yǔ): "rain" – Symbolizes cleansing, renewal, or sadness depending on context.
• 叹 (tàn): "sigh" or "lament" – Expresses a deep emotional reaction, often sorrow or reflection.

Together, the phrase paints a vivid image of someone sighing or reflecting under the dreary autumn rain.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 秋雨叹，思乡情更浓。
   Pinyin: Qiū yǔ tàn, sīxiāng qíng gèng nóng.
   English: Sighing under the autumn rain, my homesickness grows stronger.

2. Chinese: 他独坐窗前，秋雨叹人生无常。
   Pinyin: Tā dú zuò chuāng qián, qiū yǔ tàn rénshēng wúcháng.
   English: Sitting alone by the window, he sighs at the impermanence of life under the autumn rain.

3. Chinese: 秋雨叹声中，诗人写下忧伤的诗句。
   Pinyin: Qiū yǔ tàn shēng zhōng, shīrén xiě xià yōushāng de shījù.
   English: Amid sighs of autumn rain, the poet writes sorrowful verses.

Cultural Notes

In Chinese literature, autumn rain is a recurring motif symbolizing transience, solitude, and reflection. The phrase "秋雨叹" reflects the traditional Chinese aesthetic of "sad autumn" (悲秋), where the season’s natural decay mirrors human emotions. Famous poets like Du Fu (杜甫) and Li Bai (李白) often used autumn imagery to express personal and societal melancholy.

Conclusion

"秋雨叹" (qiū yǔ tàn) is a deeply evocative phrase combining the melancholy of autumn, the moodiness of rain, and the sigh of human emotion. It’s a beautiful expression for poetic or reflective contexts, capturing the intersection of nature and feeling. Remember it as "autumn rain sigh" – a moment of quiet sorrow or contemplation.