Definition
古语 refers to words, expressions, or language from ancient times. It covers three related but distinct senses: an old saying or proverb passed down from antiquity, an archaic word or phrase that is no longer common in modern usage, and the language of ancient times as a whole (often contrasted with 现代汉语 'modern Chinese'). Use it when discussing historical texts, traditional wisdom, or linguistic evolution.
n.
old sayingancient proverbarchaismarchaic expressionancient language (as a historical stage of Chinese)
Examples
- 古语‘，’。Zhè jù gǔ yǔ de yìsi shì 'sān rén xíng, bì yǒu wǒ shī'.The meaning of this old saying is 'When three walk together, there must be my teacher.'
- 古语。Xiàndài Hànyǔ zhōng yǒu xiē gǔ yǔ yǐjīng hěn shǎo yòng le.In modern Chinese, some archaisms are rarely used anymore.
- 古语。Yánjiū gǔ yǔ xūyào liǎojiě gǔdài de wénhuà bèijǐng.Studying ancient language requires understanding the cultural background of antiquity.
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