Understanding "初发扬子寄元大校书" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 初发扬子寄元大校书
• Pinyin: Chū fā Yángzǐ jì Yuán Dà jiào shū
• Literal Meaning: "First Departure from Yangzi, Sent to Yuan the Great Proofreader"
• Primary Meaning: This is the title of a classical Chinese poem written by the Tang Dynasty poet Wei Yingwu (韦应物). It describes the poet's feelings upon departing from Yangzi (a place near the Yangtze River) and sending this poem to his friend Yuan, who held the official title of "Great Proofreader" (校书).

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"初发扬子寄元大校书" is not a standalone word but the title of a poem. It reflects the Tang Dynasty tradition of scholars exchanging poems as a way to express emotions, share experiences, or maintain friendships. The poem itself is melancholic, capturing the sorrow of parting and the uncertainty of life's journey.

Character Breakdown

• 初 (chū): First, initial.
• 发 (fā): To depart, to set out.
• 扬子 (Yángzǐ): Refers to the Yangzi region (near the Yangtze River).
• 寄 (jì): To send, to entrust (often used for sending letters or poems).
• 元大 (Yuán Dà): "Yuan the Great," a respectful way to refer to the recipient.
• 校书 (jiào shū): An official title meaning "proofreader" or "editor," a mid-level scholarly position in ancient China.

3. Example Sentences

Since this is a poem title, it is not commonly used in modern sentences. However, here are examples of how one might reference it in context:

1. Chinese: 韦应物的《初发扬子寄元大校书》表达了离别的哀愁。
   Pinyin: Wéi Yìngwù de 《Chū fā Yángzǐ jì Yuán Dà jiào shū》 biǎodá le líbié de āichóu.
   English: Wei Yingwu's "First Departure from Yangzi, Sent to Yuan the Great Proofreader" expresses the sorrow of parting.

2. Chinese: 这首诗《初发扬子寄元大校书》是唐代送别诗的代表作之一。
   Pinyin: Zhè shǒu shī 《Chū fā Yángzǐ jì Yuán Dà jiào shū》 shì Táng dài sòngbié shī de dàibiǎo zuò zhī yī.
   English: This poem, "First Departure from Yangzi, Sent to Yuan the Great Proofreader," is one of the representative works of farewell poetry from the Tang Dynasty.

3. Chinese: 我们在学习《初发扬子寄元大校书》时，感受到了古人的离愁别绪。
   Pinyin: Wǒmen zài xuéxí 《Chū fā Yángzǐ jì Yuán Dà jiào shū》 shí, gǎnshòu dàole gǔrén de líchóu biéxù.
   English: While studying "First Departure from Yangzi, Sent to Yuan the Great Proofreader," we could feel the ancient people's sorrow of separation.

Cultural Notes

• This poem reflects the Tang Dynasty's cultural emphasis on friendship, poetry, and the emotional weight of parting. Scholars often exchanged poems as a way to communicate deep feelings.
• The title includes the recipient's official title ("校书"), showing respect and acknowledging their social status.
• Yangzi (扬子) refers to a location near the Yangtze River, a significant cultural and geographical landmark in Chinese history.

Conclusion

"初发扬子寄元大校书" is a Tang Dynasty poem title that captures the melancholy of departure and the bond between scholars. While not a modern word, it offers insight into classical Chinese literature and the cultural importance of poetry in expressing emotions. Remembering this phrase helps learners appreciate the depth of Chinese literary traditions.