Definition
铭文 refers to an inscription carved or engraved on a hard surface such as metal, stone, or bronze — typically found on ancient artifacts, monuments, or ritual vessels. It's a formal, often historical term, distinct from more general words like 文章 (essay) or 文字 (writing). You'll encounter it in archaeology, museum contexts, and discussions of ancient Chinese history.
n.
inscription (on metal, stone, or bronze)epigraph
Examples
- 铭文。Zhè jiàn qīngtóngqì shàng de míng wén jìzǎi le dāngshí de zhòngdà shìjiàn.The inscription on this bronze vessel records major events of that time.
- 铭文。Kǎogǔ xuéjiā zhèngzài yánjiū shíbēi shàng de gǔdài míng wén.Archaeologists are studying the ancient inscriptions on the stone stele.
- 铭文。Zhèxiē míng wén wèi lìshǐ yánjiū tígōng le bǎoguì zīliào.These inscriptions provide valuable material for historical research.
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