Understanding "题大庾岭北驿" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 题大庾岭北驿
• Pinyin: Tí Dàyǔ Lǐng běi yì
• Literal Meaning: "Inscribed at the Northern Post Station of Dayu Ridge"
• Primary Meaning: This is the title of a famous poem by the Tang Dynasty poet Song Zhiwen. It refers to a poetic inscription written at a post station located north of Dayu Ridge, a historically significant mountain pass in China.

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"题大庾岭北驿" is not a standalone word but the title of a classical Chinese poem. It reflects the Tang Dynasty tradition of poets writing inscriptions (题, "tí") on walls or landmarks during their travels. The poem expresses the poet's emotions while journeying through Dayu Ridge, a remote and rugged area that symbolized separation and exile in ancient China.

This phrase is primarily encountered in literary or historical discussions about Tang poetry. It is not used in modern spoken Chinese but holds cultural significance as part of China's poetic heritage.

Character Breakdown

• 题 (tí): "to inscribe" or "to write (on a surface)." Often used for poetic or calligraphic inscriptions.
• 大庾岭 (Dàyǔ Lǐng): "Dayu Ridge," a mountain pass in southern China, historically a boundary between central China and the southern frontier.
• 北 (běi): "north."
• 驿 (yì): "post station," a rest stop for officials and travelers in ancient China.

Together, the title describes the act of writing a poem at the northern post station of Dayu Ridge.

3. Example Sentences

Since "题大庾岭北驿" is a poem title, it is not used in everyday sentences. However, here are examples of how it might be referenced:

1. Chinese: 宋之问的《题大庾岭北驿》表达了他在流放途中的孤独。
   Pinyin: Sòng Zhīwèn de 《Tí Dàyǔ Lǐng běi yì》 biǎodá le tā zài liúfàng túzhōng de gūdú.
   English: Song Zhiwen's "Inscribed at the Northern Post Station of Dayu Ridge" expresses his loneliness during exile.

2. Chinese: 这首诗的题目《题大庾岭北驿》指明了写作地点。
   Pinyin: Zhè shǒu shī de tímù 《Tí Dàyǔ Lǐng běi yì》 zhǐmíng le xiězuò dìdiǎn.
   English: The title of this poem, "Inscribed at the Northern Post Station of Dayu Ridge," specifies the location of its writing.

3. Chinese: 《题大庾岭北驿》是唐代诗歌中的经典之作。
   Pinyin: 《Tí Dàyǔ Lǐng běi yì》 shì Táng dài shīgē zhōng de jīngdiǎn zhī zuò.
   English: "Inscribed at the Northern Post Station of Dayu Ridge" is a classic work of Tang Dynasty poetry.

Cultural Notes

Dayu Ridge (大庾岭) was a symbolic location in ancient China, often associated with exile due to its remote and harsh terrain. Poets like Song Zhiwen wrote about their sorrows when passing through this area, blending personal emotion with the natural landscape. Post stations (驿, "yì") were crucial hubs for communication and travel, making them common settings for poetic reflections.

Conclusion

"题大庾岭北驿" is a poetic title that captures a moment of literary and emotional significance in Tang Dynasty history. While not used in modern conversation, it represents the rich tradition of Chinese landscape poetry and the cultural importance of travel and exile in classical literature. Remember it as a key example of how ancient poets used place and inscription to convey deep feelings.