Understanding "长干行" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 长干行
• Pinyin: Chánggān xíng
• Literal Meaning: "Song of Changgan" (长干 = place name; 行 = a type of poem/song)
• Primary Meaning: A famous classical Chinese poem by Li Bai (李白), depicting childhood sweethearts in the Changgan neighborhood of Nanjing.

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"长干行" refers specifically to Li Bai’s poetic masterpiece, which romanticizes innocent love and separation. It is part of the yuefu (乐府) tradition, a genre of folk-style poetry. The poem is widely studied in Chinese literature and symbolizes nostalgic longing.

Character Breakdown

• 长干 (Chánggān): A historic neighborhood in Nanjing, literally "Long Ridge."
• 行 (xíng): A suffix for certain types of poems or songs (e.g., 琵琶行 "Song of the Pipa").

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 李白的《长干行》描写了青梅竹马的爱情。
   Pinyin: Lǐ Bái de 《Chánggān xíng》 miáoxiě le qīngméi zhúmǎ de àiqíng.
   English: Li Bai’s "Song of Changgan" portrays the love of childhood sweethearts.

2. Chinese: 我们在课堂上学了《长干行》这首诗。
   Pinyin: Wǒmen zài kètáng shàng xué le 《Chánggān xíng》 zhè shǒu shī.
   English: We studied the poem "Song of Changgan" in class.

3. Chinese: 《长干行》里的“两小无猜”让人感动。
   Pinyin: 《Chánggān xíng》 lǐ de “liǎng xiǎo wú cāi” ràng rén gǎndòng.
   English: The phrase "innocent childhood affection" in "Song of Changgan" is deeply moving.

Cultural Notes

• The poem is set in Changgan, a bustling merchant district in Tang Dynasty Nanjing, reflecting the era’s urban life.
• It popularized the idiom 青梅竹马 (qīngméi zhúmǎ), meaning "childhood sweethearts" (literally "green plums and bamboo horse").
• Often compared to Shakespearean sonnets in its emotional depth.

Conclusion

"长干行" is more than a poem—it’s a cultural symbol of youthful love and nostalgia. Remember its key themes (innocence, separation) and its association with Li Bai to appreciate its significance in Chinese literature.