Definition
笔墨 (bǐmò) literally means 'pen and ink' (the physical writing tools), but it is often used figuratively to refer to the skill or art of writing, composition, and calligraphy. Unlike 词 (cí 'words, lyrics') or 言语 (yányǔ 'speech, language'), 笔墨 highlights the medium and craftsmanship of writing; it also contrasts with the more specific 墨 (mò 'ink stick') and 墨水 (mòshuǐ 'liquid ink').
noun
pen and ink (literal writing tools)writingwordscomposition (as an art form or medium)
Examples
- 笔墨。Zhè tào bǐ mò shì péngyou cóng Ānhuī dài lái de.This set of pen and ink was brought from Anhui by a friend.
- 笔墨，。Tā de bǐ mò gōngfu hěn shēn, wénzhāng xiě de shífēn jīngcǎi.His writing skill is very deep; his essays are exceptionally brilliant.
- 笔墨。Gǔdài wénrén cháng yǐ bǐ mò jìtuō qínghuái.Ancient literati often used pen and ink to express their feelings.
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