Understanding "子夜吴歌" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 子夜吴歌
• Pinyin: Zǐyè Wúgē
• Literal Meaning: "Midnight Wu Songs"
• Primary Meaning: A collection of ancient Chinese folk songs from the Wu region, often depicting love, longing, and daily life, dating back to the Six Dynasties period (222–589 AD).

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"子夜吴歌" refers to a famous set of lyrical poems from the Yuefu (乐府) tradition, which were folk songs compiled by the imperial music bureau. These songs are associated with the Wu region (modern-day Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces) and are typically sung or recited to express emotions, particularly romantic or melancholic themes. The term is often used in literary or historical discussions about classical Chinese poetry.

Character Breakdown

• 子夜 (Zǐyè): Literally "midnight," symbolizing a quiet, introspective time.
• 吴歌 (Wúgē): "Wu songs," referring to folk songs from the Wu region.

Together, the phrase evokes the image of heartfelt songs sung under the moonlight, reflecting the emotions of ordinary people.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 《子夜吴歌》是南朝乐府中的经典作品。
   Pinyin: "Zǐyè Wúgē" shì Náncháo yuèfǔ zhōng de jīngdiǎn zuòpǐn.
   English: "Midnight Wu Songs" is a classic work in the Southern Dynasties' Yuefu poetry.

2. Chinese: 她喜欢在夜晚读《子夜吴歌》，感受古人的情感。
   Pinyin: Tā xǐhuan zài yèwǎn dú "Zǐyè Wúgē," gǎnshòu gǔrén de qínggǎn.
   English: She enjoys reading "Midnight Wu Songs" at night, feeling the emotions of ancient people.

3. Chinese: 这首《子夜吴歌》描写了女子对远方情人的思念。
   Pinyin: Zhè shǒu "Zǐyè Wúgē" miáoxiě le nǚzǐ duì yuǎnfāng qíngrén de sīniàn.
   English: This "Midnight Wu Song" depicts a woman's longing for her distant lover.

Cultural Notes

• The 子夜吴歌 poems are part of China's rich oral tradition and were later recorded by scholars.
• They often use simple, vivid language to convey deep emotions, making them accessible yet profound.
• The Wu region was known for its soft dialects and gentle melodies, which influenced the lyrical quality of these songs.

Conclusion

"子夜吴歌" (Zǐyè Wúgē) represents a beautiful and melancholic tradition of ancient Chinese folk poetry. By understanding its historical and emotional context, learners can appreciate its significance in Chinese literature and culture. Remember, it’s not just a song—it’s a window into the hearts of people from centuries ago.