千字文Qiān Zì Wén | Chīn Jih Màhn | Thiên Tự Văn |

천자문 (Cheonjamun) | せんじもん (Senjimon)

THOUSAND CHARACTER CLASSIC

ABOUT

“The Thousand Character Classic is a Chinese poem used as a primer for teaching Chinese characters to children from the sixth century onward. It contains exactly one thousand characters, each used only once, arranged into 250 lines of four characters apiece and grouped into four line rhyming stanzas to make it easy to memorize.” [1]

This document contains the original text of the Thousand Character Classic written in

traditional and simplified Chinese characters along with Pinyin romanization. It also shows transcriptions to other languages: Cantonese (Yale romanization), Vietnamese (which uses alphabet nowadays), Korean (hangul writing and Revised Romanization), and Japanese (Japanese-equivalent kanji with its reading indicated as furigana and Hepburn romanization).

TRADITIONAL 天地玄黃 宇宙洪荒 SIMPLIFIED 天地玄黄 宇宙洪荒

MANDARIN tiān dì xuán huáng yǔ zhòu hóng huāng CANTONESE tīn deih yùhn wòhng yúh jauh hùhng fōng VIETNAMESE thiên địa huyền hoàng vũ trụ hồng hoang

KOREAN 천지현황 cheon ji hyeon hwang 우주홍황 u ju hong hwang

JAPANESE 天地⽞⻩てんちげんこう

tenchi genkō 宇宙洪荒うちゅうこうこう

uchū kōkō

TRANSLATION The sky was black and earth yellow; space and time vast, limitless.

TRADITIONAL 日月盈昃 辰宿列張 SIMPLIFIED 日月盈昃 辰宿列张

MANDARIN rì yuè yíng zè chén xiù liè zhāng

CANTONESE yaht yuht yìhng jāk sàhn sūk liht jēung VIETNAMESE nhật nguyệt doanh trắc thần túc liệt trương

KOREAN 일월영측 il wol yeong cheuk 진숙열장 jin suk yeol jang

JAPANESE 日月盈昃じつげつえいしょく

jitsugetsu eishoku 辰宿 列張しんしゅくれっちょう

shinshuku retchō

TRANSLATION Sun high or low, moon full or parsed; with stars and lodges spread in place.

TRADITIONAL 寒來暑往 秋收冬藏 SIMPLIFIED 寒来暑往 秋收冬藏

MANDARIN hán lái shǔ wǎng qiū shōu dōng cáng CANTONESE hòhn lòih syú wóhng chāu sāu dūng chòhng VIETNAMESE hàn lai thử vãng thu thâu đông tàng

KOREAN 한래서왕 han rae seo wang 추수동장 chu su dong jang

JAPANESE 寒来暑往かんらいしょおう

kanrai shoō 秋収 冬蔵しゅうしゅうとうぞう

shūshū tōzō

TRANSLATION Cold arrives then heat once more; Autumn’s harvest, Winter’s store.

TRADITIONAL 閏餘成歲 律呂調陽 SIMPLIFIED 闰余成岁 律吕调阳

MANDARIN rùn yú chéng suì lǜ lǚ tiáo yáng CANTONESE yeuhn yùh sìhng seui leuht léuih diuh yèuhng

VIETNAMESE nhuận dư thành tuế luật lữ điều dương

KOREAN 윤여성세 yun yeo seong se 율려조양 yul ryeo jo yang

JAPANESE 閏余成歳じゅんよせいさい

jun'yo seisai 律呂調陽りつりょちょうよう

ritsuryo chōyō

TRANSLATION Sun high or low, moon full or parsed; with stars and lodges spread in place.

TRADITIONAL 雲騰致雨 露結為霜 SIMPLIFIED 云腾致雨 露结为霜

MANDARIN yún téng zhì yǔ lù jié wéi shuāng CANTONESE wàhn tàhng ji yúh louh git wàih sēung VIETNAMESE vân đằng trí vũ lộ kết vi sương

KOREAN 운등치우 un deung chi u 노결위상 no gyeol wi sang

JAPANESE 雲騰致雨う ん と う ち う

untō chiu 露結為霜ろ け つ い そ う

roketsu isō

TRANSLATION Clouds soar up to end in rain; the dew congeals to morning frost.

TRADITIONAL 金生麗水 玉出崑岡 SIMPLIFIED 金生丽水 玉出崑冈

MANDARIN jīn shēng lì shuǐ yù chū kūn gāng

CANTONESE gām sāng laih séui yuhk chēut kwān gōng VIETNAMESE kim sinh lệ thuỷ ngọc sinh công cương

KOREAN 금생여수 geum saeng yeo su 옥출곤강 ok chul gon gang

JAPANESE 金生麗水きんせいれいすい

kinsei reisui 玉出 崑岡ぎょくしゅつこんこう

gyokushutsu konkō

TRANSLATION Gold is born in the River Li; jade comes from Kunlun’s vault.

TRADITIONAL 劍號巨闕 珠稱夜光 SIMPLIFIED 剑号巨阙 珠称夜光

MANDARIN jiàn hào jù quē zhū chēng yè guāng CANTONESE gim houh geuih kyut jyū chīng yeh gwōng VIETNAMESE kiếm hào cực khuyết châu xưng dạ quang

KOREAN 검호거궐 geom ho geo gwol 주칭야광 ju ching ya gwang

JAPANESE 剣号巨闕けんごうきょけつ

kengō kyoketsu 珠称夜光しゅしょうやこう

shushō yakō

TRANSLATION A sword is styled “Excalibur”; a pearl, the “Gleam of Night”.

TRADITIONAL 果珍李柰 菜重芥薑 SIMPLIFIED 果珍李柰 菜重芥姜

MANDARIN guǒ zhēn lǐ nài cài zhòng jiè jiāng CANTONESE gwó jān léih noih choi chùhng gaai gēung

VIETNAMESE quả trân lý nại thái trọng giới khương

KOREAN 과진이내 gwa jin i nae 채중개강 chae jung gae gang

JAPANESE 菓珍李柰か ち ん り だ い

kachin ridai 菜重 芥薑さいちょうかいきょう

saichō kaikyō

TRANSLATION Dearest fruit are pears and apples; fine crops mustard, ginger.

TRADITIONAL 海鹹河淡 鱗潛羽翔 SIMPLIFIED 海咸河淡 鳞潜羽翔

MANDARIN hǎi xián hé dàn lín qián yǔ xiáng CANTONESE hói hàahm hòh daahm lèuhn chìhm yúh chèuhng VIETNAMESE hải hàm hà đạm lâm tiềm vũ tường

KOREAN 해함하담 hae ham ha dam 인잠우상 in jam u sang

JAPANESE 海醎河淡かいかんかたん

kaikan katan 鱗潜羽翔りんせんうしょう

rinsen ushō

TRANSLATION Sea is saline, streams sublime; fish school below, birds flock on high.

TRADITIONAL 龍師火帝 鳥官人皇 SIMPLIFIED 龙师火帝 鸟官人皇

MANDARIN lóng shī huǒ dì niǎo guān rén huáng CANTONESE lùhng sī fó dai níuh gūn yàhn wòhng

VIETNAMESE long sư hoả đế điểu quan nhân hoàng

KOREAN 용사화제 yong sa hwa je 조관인황 jo gwan in hwang

JAPANESE ⻯師⽕帝りょうしかてい

ryōshi katei 鳥官人皇ちょうかんじんこう

chōkan jinkō

TRANSLATION Dragon Master, Fire King; Bird Official, Lord of Men.

TRADITIONAL 始制文字 乃服衣裳 SIMPLIFIED 始制文字 乃服衣裳

MANDARIN shǐ zhì wén zì nǎi fú yī shāng CANTONESE chí jai màhn jih náaih fuhk yi sèuhng VIETNAMESE thuỷ chế văn tự nãi phục y thường

KOREAN 시제문자 si je mun ja 내복의상 nae bok ui sang

JAPANESE 始制文字し せ い も ん じ

shisei monji 乃服衣裳だいふくいしょう

daifuku ishō

TRANSLATION The beginning of writing; what’s more, wearing clothes.

TRADITIONAL 推位讓國 有虞陶唐 SIMPLIFIED 推位让国 有虞陶唐

MANDARIN tuī wèi ràng guó yǒu yú táo táng CANTONESE tēui wái yeuhng gwok yáuh yùh tòuh tòhng

VIETNAMESE thôi vị nhượng quốc hữu ngu đào đường

KOREAN 추위양국 chu wi yang guk 유우도당 yu u do dang

JAPANESE 推位譲国すいいじょうこく

suii jōkoku 有虞陶唐ゆうぐとうとう

yūgu tōtō

TRANSLATION Yielding the throne, passing the land; rulers of Yu, Tao and Tang.

TRADITIONAL 弔民伐罪 周發殷湯 SIMPLIFIED 弔民伐罪 周发殷汤

MANDARIN diào mín fá zuì zhōu fā yīn tang CANTONESE diu màhn faht jeuih jāu faat yān tōng VIETNAMESE điếu dân phạt tội chu phát ân thang

KOREAN 조민벌죄 jo min beol joe 주발은탕 ju bal eun tang

JAPANESE 弔⺠伐罪ちょうみんばつざい

chūmin batsuzai 周発殷湯しゅうはついんとう

shūhatsu intō

TRANSLATION Relieve the people, right the wrong; as did Zhou Fa, as did Yin-Tang.

TRADITIONAL 坐朝問道 垂拱平章 SIMPLIFIED 坐朝问道 垂拱平章

MANDARIN zuò cháo wèn dào chuí gǒng píng zhǎng CANTONESE chóh chìuh mahn douh sèuih gúng pìhng jēung

VIETNAMESE toạ triều vấn đạo thuỳ củng bình chương

KOREAN 좌조문도 jwa jo mun do 수공평장 su gong pyeong jang

JAPANESE 坐朝問道ざちょうもんどう

zachō mondō 垂拱 平章すいきょうへいしょう

suikyō heishō

TRANSLATION Presiding at court and asking the Way; gracious yet lordly, discuss and decide.

TRADITIONAL 愛育黎首 臣伏戎羌 SIMPLIFIED 爱育黎首 臣伏戎羌

MANDARIN ài yù lí shǒu chén fú róng qiāng CANTONESE ngoi yuhk làih sáu sàhn fuhk yùhng gēung VIETNAMESE ái dục lê thủ thần phục nhung khương

KOREAN 애육여수 ae yuk yeo su 신복융강 sin bok yung gang

JAPANESE 愛育黎首あいいくれいしゅ

aiiku reishu 臣伏 戎羌しんぷくじゅうきょう

shinpuku jūkyō

TRANSLATION With love he taught the dark and soiled; in submission, wild tribes.

TRADITIONAL 遐邇壹體 率賓歸王 SIMPLIFIED 遐迩壹体 率宾归王

MANDARIN xiá ěr yì tǐ shuài bīn guī wáng CANTONESE hàh yíh yāt tái leuht bān gwāi wòhng

VIETNAMESE hà nhĩ nhất thể suất tân quy vương

KOREAN 하이일체 ha i il che 솔빈귀왕 sol bin gwi wang

JAPANESE 遐邇壱体か じ い っ た い

kaji ittai 率賓帰王そつひんきおう

sotsuhin kiō

TRANSLATION Far and near, they joined as one; all followed, rallied to the king.

TRADITIONAL 鳴鳳在樹 白駒食場 SIMPLIFIED 鸣凤在树 白驹食场

MANDARIN míng fèng zài shù bái jū shí cháng CANTONESE mìhng fuhng joih syuh baahk kēui sihk chèuhng VIETNAMESE minh phượng tại trúc bạch câu thực tràng

KOREAN 명봉재수 myeong bong jae su 백구식장 baek gu sik jang

JAPANESE 鳴鳳在樹めいほうざいじゅ

meihō zaiju 白駒食場はっくしょくじょう

hakku shokujō

TRANSLATION The phoenix calls from bamboo stand; White pony grazes pasture land.

TRADITIONAL 化被草木 賴及萬方 SIMPLIFIED 化被草木 赖及万方

MANDARIN huà bèi cǎo mù lài jí wàn fang CANTONESE fa beih chóu muhk laaih kahp maahn fōng

VIETNAMESE hoá bị thảo mộc lại cập vạn phương

KOREAN 화피초목 hwa pi cho mok 뇌급만방 noe geup man bang

JAPANESE 化被草木か ひ そ う も く

kahi sōmoku 頼及万方らいきゅうばんぽう

raikyū banpō

TRANSLATION Wise teachings dress each plant and tree; bounty everywhere we see.

TRADITIONAL 蓋此身髮 四大五常 SIMPLIFIED 盖此身发 四大五常

MANDARIN gài cǐ shēn fà sì dà wǔ cháng CANTONESE goi chí sān faat sei daaih ńgh sèuhng VIETNAMESE cái thử thân phát tứ đại ngũ thường

KOREAN 개차신발 gae cha sin bal 사대오상 sa dae o sang

JAPANESE 蓋此身髪がいししんはつ

gaishi shinhatsu 四大五常しだいごじょう

shidai gojō

TRANSLATION These bodies and this hair of ours; Four Great Things, Five Principles.

TRADITIONAL 恭惟鞠養 豈敢毀傷 SIMPLIFIED 恭惟鞠养 岂敢毁伤

MANDARIN gōng wéi jū yǎng qǐ gǎn huǐ shāng CANTONESE gūng wàih gūk yéuhng héi gám wái sēung

VIETNAMESE cung duy cúc dưỡng khởi cảm huỷ thương

KOREAN 공유국양 gong yu guk yang 기감훼상 gi gam hwe sang

JAPANESE 恭惟鞠養きょういきくよう

kyōi kikuyō 豈敢毀傷がいかんきしょう

gaikan kishō

TRANSLATION Do honor to your upbringing; how dare one inflict a wound!

TRADITIONAL 女慕貞絜 男效才良 SIMPLIFIED 女慕贞絜 男效才良

MANDARIN nǚ mù zhēn jié nán xiào cái liáng CANTONESE néuih mouh jīng git nàahm haauh chòih lèuhng VIETNAMESE nữ mộ trinh khiết nam hiệu tài lương

KOREAN 여모정열 yeo mo jeong yeol 남효재량 nam hyo jae ryang

JAPANESE 女慕貞絜じょぼていけつ

jobo teiketsu 男効才良だんこうさいりょう

dankō sairyō

TRANSLATION Girls admire the chaste and pure; boys, the talented and good.

TRADITIONAL 知過必改 得能莫忘 SIMPLIFIED 知过必改 得能莫忘

MANDARIN zhī guò bì gǎi dé néng mò wàng CANTONESE jī gwo bīt gói dāk nàhng mohk mòhng

VIETNAMESE tri quá tất cải đắc năng mạc vong

KOREAN 지과필개 ji gwa pil gae 득능막망 deuk neung mak mang

JAPANESE 知過必改ち か ひ っ か い

chika hikkai 得能莫忘とくのうばくぼう

tokunō bakubō

TRANSLATION Aware of wrong, you must then change; mind the limits of your strength.

TRADITIONAL 罔談彼短 靡恃己長 SIMPLIFIED 罔谈彼短 靡恃己长

MANDARIN wǎng tán bǐ duǎn mí shì jǐ cháng CANTONESE móhng tàahm béi dyún méih chíh géi chèuhng VIETNAMESE võng đàm bỉ đoản mĩ thị kỉ trường

KOREAN 망담피단 mang dam pi dan 미시기장 mi si gi jang

JAPANESE 罔談彼短もうだんひたん

mōdan hitan 靡恃⼰⻑び じ こ ち ょ う

biji kochō

TRANSLATION Refrain from talk of others’ faults; don’t rest upon your strengths.

TRADITIONAL 信使可覆 器欲難量 SIMPLIFIED 信使可复 器欲难量

MANDARIN xìn shǐ kě fù qì yù nán liàng CANTONESE seun si hó fūk hei yuhk nàahn leuhng

VIETNAMESE tín sử khả phục khí dục nan lượng

KOREAN 신사가복 sin sa ga bok 기욕난량 gi yok nan ryang

JAPANESE 信使可覆し ん し か ふ く

shinshi kafuku 器欲難量きよくなんりょう

kiyoku nanryō

TRANSLATION Words must stand the test of proof; good deeds are hard to weigh.

TRADITIONAL 墨悲絲染 詩讚羔羊 SIMPLIFIED 墨悲丝染 诗赞羔羊

MANDARIN mò bēi sì rǎn shī zàn gāo yang CANTONESE mahk bēi sī yíhm sī jaan gōu yèuhng VIETNAMESE mặc bi ti nhiễm thi tán cao dương

KOREAN 묵비사염 muk bi sa yeom 시찬고양 si chan go yang

JAPANESE 墨悲糸染ぼ く ひ し ぜ ん

bokuhi shizen 詩讃羔羊しさんこうよう

shisan kōyō

TRANSLATION Mozi wept that the silk was dyed; in the Poems the lamb was glorified.

TRADITIONAL 景行維賢 克念作聖 SIMPLIFIED 景行维贤 克念作圣

MANDARIN jǐng xíng wéi xián kè niàn zuò shèng CANTONESE gíng hàhng wàih yìhn hāk nihm jok sing

VIETNAMESE cảnh hàng duy kiếm khắc niệm tác thánh

KOREAN 경행유현 gyeong haeng yu hyeon 극념작성 geuk nyeom jak seong

JAPANESE 景行維賢けいこういけん

keikō iken 克念作聖こくねんさくせい

kokunen sakusei

TRANSLATION Exalted go only the wise and good; control desire, achieve sagehood.

TRADITIONAL 德建名立 形端表正 SIMPLIFIED 德建名立 形端表正

MANDARIN dé jiàn míng lì xíng duān biǎo zhèng CANTONESE dāk gin mìhng lahp yìhng dyūn bíu jing VIETNAMESE đức kiến danh lập hình đoan biểu chánh

KOREAN 덕건명립 deok geon myeong rip 형단표정 hyeong dan pyo jeong

JAPANESE 徳建名立とくけんめいりつ

tokuken meiritsu 形端表正けいたんひょうせい

keitan hyōsei

TRANSLATION Virtue built, good name made; figure upright, bearing straight.

TRADITIONAL 空谷傳聲 虛堂習聽 SIMPLIFIED 空谷传声 虚堂习听

MANDARIN kōng gǔ chuán shēng xū táng xí tīng CANTONESE hūng gūk chyùhn sīng hēui tòhng jaahp ting

VIETNAMESE không cốc truyền thanh hư đường tập thính

KOREAN 공곡전성 gong gok jeon seong 허당습청 heo dang seup cheong

JAPANESE 空谷伝声くうこくでんせい

kūkoku densei 虚堂習聴きょどうしゅうてい

kyodō shūtei

TRANSLATION The empty valleys broadly resonate; in hollow halls wisely officiate.

TRADITIONAL 禍因惡積 福緣善慶 SIMPLIFIED 祸因恶积 福缘善庆

MANDARIN huò yīn è jī fú yuán shàn qìng CANTONESE woh yān ngok jīk fūk yùhn sihn hing VIETNAMESE hoạ nhân ác tích phúc duyên thiện khánh

KOREAN 화인악적 hwa in ak jeok 복연선경 bok yeon seon gyeong

JAPANESE 禍因悪積かいんあくせき

kain akuseki 福縁善慶ふくえんぜんけい

fukuen zenkei

TRANSLATION Calamity’s caused by evil stored; blessings result as good’s reward.

TRADITIONAL 尺璧非寶 寸陰是競 SIMPLIFIED 尺璧非宝 寸阴是竞

MANDARIN chǐ bì fēi bǎo cùn yīn shì jìng CANTONESE chek bīk fēi bóu chyun yām sih gihng

VIETNAMESE xích bích phi bảo thốn âm thị cạnh

KOREAN 척벽비보 cheok byeok bi bo 촌음시경 chon eum si gyeong

JAPANESE 尺璧非寳せきへきひほう

sekiheki hihō 寸陰是競すんいんしけい

sun'in shikei

TRANSLATION A foot of jade is no treasure; an inch of time is to fight for.

TRADITIONAL 資父事君 曰嚴與敬 SIMPLIFIED 资父事君 曰严与敬

MANDARIN zī fù shì jūn yuē yán yǔ jìng CANTONESE jī fuh sih gwān yeuhk yìhm yúh ging VIETNAMESE tư phụ sự quân viết nghiêm dữ kính

KOREAN 자부사군 ja bu sa gun 왈엄여경 wal eom yeo gyeong

JAPANESE 資父事君し ふ じ く ん

shifu jikun 曰厳与敬えつげんよけい

etsugen yokei

TRANSLATION Nourish your father and serve your king; known as reverence and respect.

TRADITIONAL 孝當竭力 忠則盡命 SIMPLIFIED 孝当竭力 忠则尽命

MANDARIN xiào dāng jié lì zhōng zé jìn mìng CANTONESE haau dōng kit lihk jūng jāk jeuhn mihng

VIETNAMESE hiếu đương kiệt lức trung tắc tẫn mệnh

KOREAN 효당갈력 hyo dang gal ryeok 충즉진명 chung jeuk jin myeong

JAPANESE 孝当竭力こうとうけつりょく

kōtō ketsuryoku 忠則尽命ちゅうそくじんめい

chūsoku jinmei

TRANSLATION Devoted to parents with all your strength; loyal to throne with your very life.

TRADITIONAL 臨深履薄 夙興溫凊 SIMPLIFIED 临深履薄 夙兴温凊

MANDARIN lín shēn lǚ bó sù xīng wēn qìng CANTONESE làhm sām léih bohk sūk hīng wān jihng VIETNAMESE lâm thâm lí bạc túc hưng ôm sảnh

KOREAN 임심리박 im sim ri bak 숙흥온청 suk heung on cheong

JAPANESE 臨深履薄りんしんりはく

rinshin rihaku 夙興温清しゅくこうおんせい

shukukō onsei

TRANSLATION Like facing the deep, like treading thin ice; early to rise, warm and cool.

TRADITIONAL 似蘭斯馨 如松之盛 SIMPLIFIED 似兰斯馨 如松之盛

MANDARIN sì lán sī xīn rú sōng zhī shèng CANTONESE chíh làahn sī hīng yùh sūng jī sihng

VIETNAMESE tự lan tư hình như tùng chi thịnh

KOREAN 사난사형 sa nan sa hyeong 여송지성 yeo song ji seong

JAPANESE 似蘭斯馨じ ら ん し け い

jiran shikei 如松之盛じょしょうしせい

joshō shisei

TRANSLATION Like an orchid is this fragrance; like fresh pines, abundant, dense.

TRADITIONAL 川流不息 淵澄取映 SIMPLIFIED 川流不息 渊澄取映

MANDARIN chuān liú bù xī yuān chéng qǔ yìng CANTONESE chyūn làuh bāt sīk yūn chìhng chéui yíng VIETNAMESE xuyên lưu bất tức uyên trừng thủ ánh

KOREAN 천류불식 cheon ryu bul sik 연징취영 yeon jing chwi yeong

JAPANESE 川流不息せんりゅうふそく

senryū fusoku 淵澄取暎えんちょうしゅえい

enchō shuei

TRANSLATION The river flows at endless pace; in deepest pool behold the face.

TRADITIONAL 容止若思 言辭安定 SIMPLIFIED 容止若思 言辞安定

MANDARIN róng zhǐ ruò sī yán cí ān dìng CANTONESE yùhng jí yeuhk sī yìhn chìh ngōn dihng

VIETNAMESE dong chỉ nhược tư ngôn từ an định

KOREAN 용지약사 yong ji yak sa 언사안정 eon sa an jeong

JAPANESE 容止若思ようしじゃくし

yōshi jakushi 言辞安定げんじあんてい

genji antei

TRANSLATION Stand solemly and thoughtfully; speak with calm and dignity.

TRADITIONAL 篤初誠美 慎終宜令 SIMPLIFIED 笃初诚美 慎终宜令

MANDARIN dǔ chū chéng měi shén zhōng yí ling CANTONESE dūk chō sìhng méih sahn jūng yìh lihng VIETNAMESE đốc sơ thành mĩ thận chung nghi lệnh

KOREAN 독초성미 dok cho seong mi 신종의령 sin jong ui ryeong

JAPANESE 篤初誠美とくしょせいび

tokusho seibi 慎終宜令しんしゅうぎれい

shinshū girei

TRANSLATION Diligence at start indeed is fine; completeness at ending, duly grand.

TRADITIONAL 榮業所基 籍甚無竟 SIMPLIFIED 荣业所基 籍甚无竟

MANDARIN róng yè suǒ jī jí shèn wú jìng CANTONESE wìhng yihp só gēi jihk sahm mòuh gíng

VIETNAMESE vinh nghiệp sở cơ tịch thậm vô cánh

KOREAN 영업소기 yeong eop so gi 적심무경 jeok sim mu gyeong

JAPANESE 栄業所基えいぎょうしょき

eigyō shoki 籍甚無竟せきじんむけい

sekijin mukei

TRANSLATION Glorious works as the foundation, no limit to one’s reputation.

TRADITIONAL 學優登仕 攝職從政 SIMPLIFIED 学优登仕 摄职从政

MANDARIN xué yōu dēng shì shè zhí cóng zhèng CANTONESE hohk yāu dāng sih sip jīk chùhng jing VIETNAMESE học ưu đăng sĩ nhiếp chức tòng chánh

KOREAN 학우등사 hak u deung sa 섭직종정 seop jik jong jeong

JAPANESE 学優登仕がくゆうとうし

gakuyū tōshi 摂職 従政せつしょくじゅうせい

setsushoku jūsei

TRANSLATION Studies superior, step up to serve; be given your duties, join government’s work.

TRADITIONAL 存以甘棠 去而益詠 SIMPLIFIED 存以甘棠 去而益咏

MANDARIN cún yǐ gān táng qù ér yì yǒng CANTONESE chyùhn yíh gām tòhng heui yìh yīk wihng

VIETNAMESE tồn dĩ cam đường khứ nhi ích vịnh

KOREAN 존이감당 jon i gam dang 거이익영 geo i ik yeong

JAPANESE 存以甘棠そんいかんとう

son'i kantō 去而益詠きょじえきえい

kyoji ekiei

TRANSLATION Alive, under a sweet pear tree; gone, in song of eulogy.

TRADITIONAL 樂殊貴賤 禮別尊卑 SIMPLIFIED 乐殊贵贱 礼别尊卑

MANDARIN yuè shū guì jiàn lǐ bié zūn bēi CANTONESE lohk syùh gwai jihn láih biht jyūn bēi VIETNAMESE nhạc thù quý tiện lễ biệt tôn ti

KOREAN 악수귀천 ak su gwi cheon 예별존비 ye byeol jon bi

JAPANESE 楽殊貴賤がくしゅきせん

gakushu kisen 礼別尊卑れいべつそんぴ

reibetsu sonpi

TRANSLATION Music distinct by social rank, rites according to prestige.

TRADITIONAL 上和下睦 夫唱婦隨 SIMPLIFIED

上和下睦 夫唱妇随 MANDARIN shàng hé xià mù fū chàng fù suí CANTONESE séuhng wòh hah muhk fū cheung fúh chèuih

VIETNAMESE thượng hoà hạ mục phu xưởng phụ tuỳ

KOREAN 상화하목 sang hwa ha muk 부창부수 bu chang bu su

JAPANESE 上和下睦じょうわかぼく

jōwa kaboku 夫唱婦随ふしょうふずい

fushō fuzui

TRANSLATION The higher is pleasing, the lower harmonious; the husband leads and the wife accompanies.

TRADITIONAL 外受傅訓 入奉母儀 SIMPLIFIED 外受傅训 入奉母仪

MANDARIN wài shòu fù xùn rù fèng mǔ yí CANTONESE ngoih sauh fuh fan yahp fuhng móuh yìh VIETNAMESE ngoại thụ phó huấn nhập phụng mẫu nghi

KOREAN 외수부훈 oe su bu hun 입봉모의 ip bong mu ui

JAPANESE 外受傅訓がいじゅふくん

gaiju fukun ⼊奉⺟儀じゅうほうぼぎ

jūhō bogi

TRANSLATION Outside, as teacher said you ought; at home, the rules your mother taught!

TRADITIONAL 諸姑伯叔 猶子比兒 SIMPLIFIED 诸姑伯叔 犹子比儿

MANDARIN zhū gū bó shū yóu zǐ bǐ ér CANTONESE jyū gū ba sūk yàuh jí béi yìh

VIETNAMESE chư cô bá thúc do tử bỉ nhi

KOREAN 제고백숙 je go baek suk 유자비아 yu ja bi a

JAPANESE 諸姑伯叔しょこはくしゅく

shoko hakushuku 猶子比児ゆ う し ひ じ

yūshi hiji

TRANSLATION To each uncle and every aunt; as if you’d been their own infant.

TRADITIONAL 孔懷兄弟 同氣連枝 SIMPLIFIED 孔怀兄弟 同气连枝

MANDARIN kǒng huái xiōng dì tóng qì lián zhī CANTONESE húng wàaih hīng daih tùhng hei lìhn jī VIETNAMESE khổng hoài huynh đệ đồng khí liên chi

KOREAN 공회형제 gong hoe hyeong je 동기연지 dong gi yeon ji

JAPANESE 孔懐兄弟こうかいけいてい

kōkai keitei 同気連枝ど う き れ ん し

dōki renshi

TRANSLATION Brothers cherish each other; united in the blood they share.

TRADITIONAL 交友投分 切磨箴規 SIMPLIFIED 交友投分 切磨箴规

MANDARIN jiāo yǒu tóu fèn qiè mó zhēn guī CANTONESE gāau yáuh tàuh fān chit mòh jām kwāi

VIETNAMESE giao hữu đầu phân thiết ma châm quy

KOREAN 교우투분 gyo u tu bun 절마잠규 jeol ma jam gyu

JAPANESE 交友投分こうゆうとうぶん

kōyū tōbun 切磨箴規せ つ ま し ん き

setsuma shinki

TRANSLATION In friendship each must do their share; “Qie mo!” the warning to beware.

TRADITIONAL 仁慈隱惻 造次弗離 SIMPLIFIED 仁慈隐恻 造次弗离

MANDARIN rén cí yǐn cè zào cì fú lí CANTONESE yàhn chìh yán chāk jouh chi fīt lèih VIETNAMESE nhân từ ẩn trắc tạo thứ phất li

KOREAN 인자은측 in ja eun cheuk 조차불리 jo cha bul ri

JAPANESE 仁慈隠惻じんじいんそく

jinji insoku 造次弗離ぞ う じ ふ つ り

zōji futsuri

TRANSLATION Kindness, mercy, sympathy; Don’t leave these in emergency.

TRADITIONAL 節義廉退 顛沛匪虧 SIMPLIFIED 节义廉退 颠沛匪亏

MANDARIN jié yì lián tuì diān pèi fěi kuī CANTONESE jit yih lìhm teui dīn pui féi kwāi

VIETNAMESE tiết nghĩa liêm thối điên phái phỉ khuy

KOREAN 절의염퇴 jeol ui yeom toe 전패비휴 jeon pae bi hyu

JAPANESE 節義廉退せつぎれんたい

setsugi rentai 顛沛匪虧て ん ぱ い ひ き

tenpai hiki

TRANSLATION Righteous, just, honest, retiring; though in failure, never lacking.

TRADITIONAL 性靜情逸 心動神疲 SIMPLIFIED 性静情逸 心动神疲

MANDARIN xìng jìng qíng yì xīn dòng shén pí CANTONESE sing jihng chìhng yaht sām duhng sàhn pèih VIETNAMESE tính tĩnh tình dật tâm động thần bì

KOREAN 성정정일 seong jeong jeong il 심동신피 sim dong sin pi

JAPANESE 性静情逸せいせいじょういつ

seisei jōitsu 心動神疲しんどうしんぴ

shindō shinpi

TRANSLATION Nature settled, feelings mild; heart aroused, the spirit tired.

TRADITIONAL 守真志滿 逐物意移 SIMPLIFIED 守真志满 逐物意移

MANDARIN shǒu zhēn zhì mǎn zhú wù yì yí CANTONESE sáu jān ji múhn juhk maht yi yìh

VIETNAMESE thủ chân chí mãn trục vật ý di

KOREAN 수진지만 su jin ji man 축물의이 chuk mul oe i

JAPANESE 守真志満しゅしんしまん

shushin shiman 逐物意移ち く ぶ つ い い

chikubutsu ii

TRANSLATION Keeping pure brings satisfaction; chasing things, the mind’s distraction.

TRADITIONAL 堅持雅操 好爵自縻 SIMPLIFIED 坚持雅操 好爵自縻

MANDARIN jiān chí yǎ cāo hǎo jué zì mí CANTONESE gīn chìh ngáh chōu hóu jeuk jih mèih VIETNAMESE kiên trì nhã thao hảo tước tự mi

KOREAN 견지아조 gyeon ji a jo 호작자미 ha jak ja mi

JAPANESE 堅持雅操け ん じ が そ う

kenji gasō 好爵自縻こうしゃくじび

kōshaku jibi

TRANSLATION Hold fast to your high sentiments; a fine position will come from this.

TRADITIONAL 都邑華夏 東西二京 SIMPLIFIED 都邑华夏 东西二京

MANDARIN dū yì huá xià dōng xī èr jīng CANTONESE dōu yāp wàh hah dūng sāi yih gīng

VIETNAMESE đô ấp hoa hạ đông tây nhị kinh

KOREAN 도읍화하 do eup hwa ha 동서이경 dong seo i gyeong

JAPANESE 都邑華夏と ゆ う か か

toyū kaka 東⻄⼆京とうざいにけい

tōzai nikei

TRANSLATION Ancient capitals, gorgeous and grand; East, Luoyang, and West, Chang’an.

TRADITIONAL 背邙面洛 浮渭據涇 SIMPLIFIED 背邙面洛 浮渭据泾

MANDARIN bèi máng miàn luò fú wèi jù jīng CANTONESE bui mòhng mihn lohk fàuh waih geui gīng VIETNAMESE bối mang diện lạc phù vị cư kính

KOREAN 배망면낙 bae mang myeon nak 부위거경 bu wi geo gyeong

JAPANESE 背芒面洛はいぼうめんらく

haibō menraku 浮渭拠涇ふ い き ょ け い

fui kyokei

TRANSLATION In back Mount Mang, front, River Luo; straddles Rivers Wei and Jing.

TRADITIONAL 宮殿盤鬱 樓觀飛驚 SIMPLIFIED 宫殿盘郁 楼观飞惊

MANDARIN gōng diàn pán yù lóu guān fēi jīng CANTONESE gūng dihn pùhn wāt làuh gūn fēi gīng

VIETNAMESE cung điện bàn úc lâu quan phi kinh

KOREAN 궁전반울 gung jeon ban ul 누관비경 nu gwan bi gyeong

JAPANESE 宮殿盤欝きゅうでんはんうつ

kyūden han'utsu 楼観飛驚ろうかんひけい

rōkan hikei

TRANSLATION A swirl of palaces unwinding; view from buildings, fright from flying!

TRADITIONAL 圖寫禽獸 畫綵仙靈 SIMPLIFIED 图写禽兽 画䌽仙灵

MANDARIN tú xiě qín shòu huà cǎi xiān líng CANTONESE tòuh sé kàhm sau wá chói sīn lìhng VIETNAMESE đồ tả cầm thú hoạ thái tiên linh

KOREAN 도사금수 do sa geum su 화채선령 hwa chae seon ryeong

JAPANESE 図写禽獣としゃきんじゅう

tosha kinjū 画綵仙霊がさいせんれい

gasai senrei

TRANSLATION Depictions of the birds and beasts; painted fairies and spirits.

TRADITIONAL 丙舍傍啟 甲帳對楹 SIMPLIFIED 丙舍傍启 甲帐对楹

MANDARIN bǐng shè bàng qǐ jiǎ zhàng duì yíng CANTONESE bíng se bohng kái gaap jeung deui yìhng

VIETNAMESE bính xá bàng khải giáp trướng đối doanh

KOREAN 병사방계 byeong sa bang gye 갑장대영 gap jang dae yeong

JAPANESE 丙舎傍啓へいしゃぼうけい

heisha bōkei 甲帳対楹こうちょうたいえい

kōchō taiei

TRANSLATION Third Quarters’ curtains open wide, fine drapes on pillars to the side.

TRADITIONAL 肆筵設席 鼓瑟吹笙 SIMPLIFIED 肆筵设席 鼓瑟吹笙

MANDARIN sì yán shè xí gǔ sè chuī sheng CANTONESE si yìhn chit jihk gú sāt chēui sang VIETNAMESE tứ diên thiết tịch cổ sắt xuy sanh

KOREAN 사연설석 sa yeon seol seok 고슬취생 go seul chwi saeng

JAPANESE 肆筵設席しえんせつせき

shien setsuseki 鼓瑟吹笙こしつすいせい

koshitsu suisei

TRANSLATION Throwing banquets, lavish settings; playing flutes, percussion, strings.

TRADITIONAL 升階納陛 弁轉疑星 SIMPLIFIED 升阶纳陛 弁转疑星

MANDARIN shèng jiè nà bì biàn zhuàn yí xīng CANTONESE sīng gāai naahp baih bihn jyun yìh sing

VIETNAMESE thăng giai nạp bệ biện chuyển nghi tinh

KOREAN 승계납폐 seung gye nap pye 변전의성 byeon jeon ui seong

JAPANESE 升階納陛しょうかいのうへい

shūkai nōhei 弁転疑星べんてんぎせい

benten gisei

TRANSLATION Ascending stairs, to Emperor; hats awhirl, as if the stars.

TRADITIONAL 右通廣內 左達承明 SIMPLIFIED 右通广内 左达承明

MANDARIN yòu tōng guǎng nèi zuǒ dá chéng míng CANTONESE yauh tūng gwóng noih jó daaht sìhng mìhng VIETNAMESE hữu thông nghiễm nội tả đạt thừa minh

KOREAN 우통광내 u tong gwang nae 좌달승명 jwa dal seung myeong

JAPANESE 右通広内ゆうつうこうだい

yūtsū kōdai 左達承明さたつしょうめい

satatsu shōmei

TRANSLATION Right leads to the library, left, the scholars’ dormitory.

TRADITIONAL 既集墳典 亦聚羣英 SIMPLIFIED 既集坟典 亦聚羣英

MANDARIN jì jí fén diǎn yì jù qún yīng CANTONESE gei jaahp fàhn dín yihk jeuih kwàhn yīng

VIETNAMESE kí tập phần điển diệc tụ quần anh

KOREAN 기집분전 gi jip bun jeon 역취군영 yeok chwi gun yeong

JAPANESE 既集墳典きしゅうふんてん

kishū funten 亦聚羣英えきしゅうぐんえい

ekishū gun'ei

TRANSLATION The legendary Fen and Dian; stacks for use by famous men.

TRADITIONAL 杜稾鍾隸 漆書壁經 SIMPLIFIED 杜稾钟隶 漆书壁经

MANDARIN dù gǎo zhōng lì qī shū bì jīng CANTONESE douh góu jūng daih chāt syū bīk gīng VIETNAMESE đỗ cảo chung lệ tất thư bích kinh

KOREAN 두고종례 du go jong rye 칠서벽경 chil seo byeok gyeong

JAPANESE 杜稾鍾隷とこうしょうれい

tokō shōrei 漆書壁経しっしょへきけい

shissho hekikei

TRANSLATION Du’s cursive script and Zhong’s print style, lacquer books, classics from wall.

TRADITIONAL 府羅將相 路俠槐卿 SIMPLIFIED 府罗将相 路侠槐卿

MANDARIN fǔ luó jiàng xiàng lù jiá huái qīng CANTONESE fú lòh jēung sēung louh hahp wàaih hīng

VIETNAMESE phủ la tướng tương lộ hiệp hoè khanh

KOREAN 부라장상 bu ri jang sang 노협괴경 no hyeop goe gyeong

JAPANESE 府羅将相ふらしょうそう

fura shōsō 路侠槐卿ろきょうかいけい

rokyō kaikei

TRANSLATION Palace generals and ministers parade; on road outside the ones of lesser grade.

TRADITIONAL 戶封八縣 家給千兵 SIMPLIFIED 户封八县 家给千兵

MANDARIN hù fēng bā xiàn jiā jǐ qiān bīng CANTONESE wuh fūng baat yún gā kāp chīn bīng VIETNAMESE hộ phong bát huyện gia cấp thiên binh

KOREAN 호봉팔현 ho bong pal hyeon 가급천병 ga geup cheon byeong

JAPANESE 戸封⼋県こほうはっけん

kohō hakken 家給千兵かきゅうせんへい

kakyū senhei

TRANSLATION Each household granted eight counties; each family, a thousand troops.

TRADITIONAL 高冠陪輦 驅轂振纓 SIMPLIFIED

高冠陪辇 驱毂振缨 MANDARIN gāo guān péi niǎn qū gǔ zhèn yīng CANTONESE gōu gūn pùih líhn kēui gūk jan yīng

VIETNAMESE cao quan bồi liễn khu cốc chấn anh

KOREAN 고관배련 go gwan bae ryeon 구곡진영 gu gok jin yeong

JAPANESE 髙冠陪輦こうかんばいれん

kōkan bairen 駆轂振纓くこくしんえい

kukoku shin'ei

TRANSLATION High hats pace Son of Heaven’s chariot; fast driving blows their ribbons all about.

TRADITIONAL 世祿侈富 車駕肥輕 SIMPLIFIED

世禄侈富 车驾肥轻 MANDARIN shì lù chǐ fù chē jià féi qīng CANTONESE sai luhk chí fu chē ga fèih hīng VIETNAMESE thế lộ xỉ phí xa giá phi khinh

KOREAN 세록치부 se rok chi bu 거가비경 geo ga bi gyeong

JAPANESE 世禄侈富せ い ろ く し ふ

seiroku shifu 車駕肥軽し ゃ が ひ け い

jaga hikei

TRANSLATION Inheriting excessive wealth and ease; they drive fat horses anytime they please.

TRADITIONAL 策功茂實 勒碑刻銘 SIMPLIFIED

策功茂实 勒碑刻铭 MANDARIN cè gōng mào shí lè bēi kè míng CANTONESE chaak gūng mauh saht lahk bēi hāk míhng

VIETNAMESE sách công mậu thật lặc bi khắc minh

KOREAN 책공무실 chaek gong mu sil 늑비각명 neuk bi gak myeong

JAPANESE 策功茂実さくこうもじつ

sakukō mojitsu 勒碑刻銘ろくひこくめい

rokuhi kokumei

TRANSLATION Wrote scrolls of glories and abundant facts; carved on stones their famous names and acts.

TRADITIONAL 磻溪伊尹 佐時阿衡 SIMPLIFIED 磻溪伊尹 佐时阿衡

MANDARIN pán xī yī yǐn zuǒ shí ā héng CANTONESE pùhn kāi yī wáhn jo sìh a hàhng VIETNAMESE bàn khê y doãn tả thì a hoành

KOREAN 반계이윤 ban gye i yun 좌시아형 jwa si a hyeong

JAPANESE 磻渓伊尹はんけいいいん

hankei iin 佐時阿衡さ じ あ こ う

saji akō

TRANSLATION Pan Creek, the place, Yi Yin, the man; assisting as Prime Minister.

TRADITIONAL 奄宅曲阜 微旦孰營 SIMPLIFIED 奄宅曲阜 微旦孰营

MANDARIN yǎn zhái qǔ fù wēi dàn shú yíng CANTONESE yīm jaahk kūk fauh mèih daan suhk yìhng

VIETNAMESE yểm trạch khúc phụ vi đán thục doanh

KOREAN 엄택곡부 eom taek gok bu 미단숙영 mi dan suk yeong

JAPANESE 奄宅曲阜えんたくきょくふ

entaku kyokufu 微旦孰営びたんじゅくえい

bitan jukuei

TRANSLATION Yan’s earth, Qufu; less Dan, who would do?

TRADITIONAL 桓公匡合 濟弱扶傾 SIMPLIFIED

桓公匡合 济弱扶倾 MANDARIN huán gōng kuāng hé jì ruò fú qīng CANTONESE wùhn gūng hōng hahp jai yeuhk fùh king VIETNAMESE hoàn công khuông hợp tể nhược phù khuynh

KOREAN 환공광합 hwan gong gwang hap 제약부경 je yak bu gyeong

JAPANESE 桓公匡合かんこうきょうごう

kankō kyōgō 済弱扶傾せいじゃくふけい

seijaku fukei

TRANSLATION The Duke of Huan brought all in line; helped those weak and in decline.

TRADITIONAL 綺迴漢惠 說感武丁 SIMPLIFIED 绮迴汉惠 说感武丁

MANDARIN qǐ huí hàn huì yuě gǎn wǔ dìng CANTONESE yí wùih hon waih syut gám móuh dīng

VIETNAMESE khỉ hồi hán huệ thuyết cảm vũ đinh

KOREAN 기회한혜 gi hoe han hye 열감무정 yeol gam mu jeong

JAPANESE 綺迴漢恵きかいかんけい

kikai kankei 說感武丁えつかんぶてい

etsukan butei

TRANSLATION Qi returned to aid Han Hui; Delight affected Shang’s Wu Ding.

TRADITIONAL 俊乂密勿 多士寔寧 SIMPLIFIED

俊乂密勿 多士寔宁 MANDARIN jùn yì mì wù duō shì shí níng CANTONESE jeun ngaaih maht maht dō sih saht nìhng VIETNAMESE tuấn nghệ mật vật đa sĩ thật trữ

KOREAN 준예밀물 jun ye mil mul 다사식녕 da sa sik nyeong

JAPANESE 俊乂密勿しゅんがいみつぶつ

shungai mitsubutsu 多士寔寧たししょくねい

tashi shokunei

TRANSLATION The best and brightest work diligently; so many fine men, this tranquility!

TRADITIONAL 晉楚更霸 趙魏困橫 SIMPLIFIED 晋楚更霸 赵魏困横

MANDARIN jìn chǔ gēng bà zhào wèi kùn héng CANTONESE jeun chó gang ba jiuh ngaih kwan wàahng

VIETNAMESE tấn sở canh bá triệu nguỵ khốn hoành

KOREAN 진초갱패 jin cho gaeng pae 조위곤횡 jo wig on hoeng

JAPANESE 晋楚更覇し ん そ こ う は

shinso kōha 趙魏困横ちょうぎこんおん

chōgi kon'on

TRANSLATION Jin, Chu, next hegemonists; Zhao, Wei troubled by Axis.

TRADITIONAL 假途滅虢 踐土會盟 SIMPLIFIED 假途灭虢 践土会盟

MANDARIN jiǎ tú miè guó jiàn tǔ huì méng CANTONESE gá tòuh miht gwīk chíhn tóu wuih màhng VIETNAMESE giả đồ diệt quắc tiễn thổ hội minh

KOREAN 가도멸괵 ga do myeol goek 천토회맹 cheon to hoe maeng

JAPANESE 仮途滅虢か と め つ か く

kato metsukaku 践土会盟せんどかいめい

sendo kaimei

TRANSLATION Stole a march, wiped out Guo; occupied, made a pact.

TRADITIONAL 何遵約法 韓弊煩刑 SIMPLIFIED 何遵约法 韩弊烦刑

MANDARIN hé zūn yuē fǎ hán bì fán xíng CANTONESE hòh jēun yeuk faat hòhn baih fàahn yìhng

VIETNAMESE hà tuân ước pháp hàn tệ phiền hình

KOREAN 하준약법 ha jun yak beop 한폐번형 han pye beon hyeong

JAPANESE 何遵約法かじゅんやくほう

kajun yakuhō 韓弊煩刑かんへいはんけい

kanhei hankei

TRANSLATION Xiao He valued simple laws; Han was framed and suffered torts.

TRADITIONAL 起翦頗牧 用軍最精 SIMPLIFIED 起翦颇牧 用军最精

MANDARIN qǐ jiǎn pō mù yòng jūn zuì jīng CANTONESE héi jín pō muhk yuhng gwān jeui jīng VIETNAMESE khởi tiễn pha mục dụng quân tối tinh

KOREAN 기전파목 gi jeon pa mok 용군최정 yong gun choe jeong

JAPANESE 起翦頗牧き せ ん は ぼ く

kisen haboku 用軍最精ようぐんさいせい

yōgun saisei

TRANSLATION Qi, Jian, Po and Mu; in use of armies, most refined.

TRADITIONAL 宣威沙漠 馳譽丹青 SIMPLIFIED 宣威沙漠 驰誉丹青

MANDARIN xuān wēi shā mò chí yù dān qīng CANTONESE syūn wāi sā mohk chìh yuh dāan chīng

VIETNAMESE tuyên uy sa mạc trì dự đan thanh

KOREAN 선위사막 seon wi sa mak 치예단청 chi ye dan cheong

JAPANESE 宣威沙漠せ ん い さ ば く

sen'i sabaku 馳誉丹⻘ち よ た ん せ い

chiyo tansei

TRANSLATION Spread of name to deserts far; passed down fame in portraiture.

TRADITIONAL 九州禹跡 百郡秦并 SIMPLIFIED 九州禹迹 百郡秦并

MANDARIN jiǔ zhōu yǔ jì bǎi jùn qín bìng CANTONESE gáu jāu yúh jīk baak gwahn chèuhn bihng VIETNAMESE cửu châu vũ tích bách quận tần tịnh

KOREAN 구주우적 gu ju u jeok 백군진병 baek gun jin byeong

JAPANESE 九州禹跡きゅうしゅううせき

kyūshū useki 百郡秦并ひゃくぐんしんへい

hyakugun shinhei

TRANSLATION Old Nine States with Yu’s tracks in; the Hundred Districts, joined by Qin.

TRADITIONAL 嶽宗恆岱 禪主云亭 SIMPLIFIED 嶽宗恒岱 禅主云亭

MANDARIN yuè zōng héng dài chán zhǔ yún tíng CANTONESE ngohk jūng hàhng doih sìhm jyú wàhn thing

VIETNAMESE nhạc tông hằng đại thiện chủ vân đình

KOREAN 악종항대 ak jong hang dae 선주운정 seon ju un jeong

JAPANESE 岳宗恒岱がくそうこうたい

gakusō kōtai 禅主云亭ぜんしゅうんてい

zenshu untei

TRANSLATION Peak most worshipped, Great Taishan; Chan conducted on Yun and Ting.

TRADITIONAL 雁門紫塞 雞田赤城 SIMPLIFIED 雁门紫塞 鸡田赤城

MANDARIN yàn mén zǐ sài jī tián chì chéng CANTONESE ngaahn mùhn jí sāk gāi tìhn chek sìhng VIETNAMESE nhạn môn tử tắc kê điền xích thành

KOREAN 안문자새 an mun ja sae 계전적성 gye jeon jeok seong

JAPANESE 雁門紫塞がんもんしさい

ganmon shisai 雞田赤城けいでんせきじょう

keiden sekijō

TRANSLATION Mt. Yanmen Pass, purple Great Wall; Jitian station, Chicheng’s vault.

TRADITIONAL 昆池碣石 鉅野洞庭 SIMPLIFIED 昆池碣石 钜野洞庭

MANDARIN kūn chí jié shí jù yě dòng tíng CANTONESE kwān chìh kit sehk geuih yéh duhng tìhng

VIETNAMESE côn trì kiệt thạch cự dã đồng đình

KOREAN 곤지갈석 gon ji gal seok 거야동정 geo ya dong jeong

JAPANESE 昆池碣石こんちけっせき

konchi kesseki 鉅野洞庭きょやどうてい

kyoya dōtei

TRANSLATION Kunming Pond, Tablet Rock; Juye Swamp, Lake Dongting.

TRADITIONAL 曠遠緜邈 巖岫杳冥 SIMPLIFIED 旷远緜邈 巖岫杳冥

MANDARIN kuàng yuǎn mián miǎo yán xiù yǎo míng CANTONESE kwong yúhn mìhn míuh ngàahm jauh míuh míhng VIETNAMESE khoáng viễn miên mạc nham tụ diểu minh

KOREAN 광원면막 gwang won myeon mak 암수묘명 am su myo myeong

JAPANESE 曠遠緜邈こうえんめんばく

kōen menbaku 巌岫杳冥がんしゅうようめい

ganshū yōmei

TRANSLATION Rivers flowing without end, boundless lakes and seas;

tall rocks in caves so dark and deep, climate as you please.

TRADITIONAL 治本於農 務茲稼穡 SIMPLIFIED 治本于农 务兹稼穑

MANDARIN zhì běn yú nóng wù zī jià sè CANTONESE jih bún yū nùhng mouh jī ga sīk

VIETNAMESE trị bổn vu nông vụ tư giá sắc

KOREAN 치본어농 chi bon eo nong 무자가색 mu ja ga saek

JAPANESE 治本於農ち ほ ん よ の う

chihon yonō 務茲稼穡む し か し ょ く

mushi kashoku

TRANSLATION Government is based on farming; mind the yearly sowing, reaping!

TRADITIONAL 俶載南畝 我藝黍稷 SIMPLIFIED

俶载南亩 我艺黍稷 MANDARIN chù zǎi nán mǔ wǒ yì shǔ jì CANTONESE chūk joi nàahm máuh ngóh ngaih syú jīk VIETNAMESE thục tái nam mẫu ngã nghệ thử tắc

KOREAN 숙재남묘 suk jae nam myo 아예서직 a ye seo jik

JAPANESE 俶載南畝しゅくさいなんぽ

shukusai nanbo 我芸黍稷がげいしょしょく

gagei shoshoku

TRANSLATION I start the year down in the southern field; there I cultivate the season’s yield.

TRADITIONAL 稅熟貢新 勸賞黜陟 SIMPLIFIED 税熟贡新 劝赏黜陟

MANDARIN shuì shóu gòng xīn quàn shǎng chù zhì CANTONESE seui suhk gung sān hyun séung chēut jīk

VIETNAMESE thuế thục cống tân khuyến thưởng truất tắc

KOREAN 세숙공신 se suk gong sin 권상출척 gwon sang chul cheok

JAPANESE 稅熟貢新ぜいじゅくこうしん

zeijuku kōshin 勧 賞 黜 陟かんしょうちゅっちょく

kanshō chutchoku

TRANSLATION For tax they bring the fresh and new; reward or punishment is due.

TRADITIONAL 孟軻敦素 史魚秉直 SIMPLIFIED 孟轲敦素 史鱼秉直

MANDARIN mèng kē dūn sù shǐ yú bǐng zhí CANTONESE maahng ō dēun sou sí yùh bíng jihk VIETNAMESE mạnh kha đôn tố sử ngu bỉnh trực

KOREAN 맹가돈소 maeng ga don so 사어병직 sa eo byeong jik

JAPANESE 孟軻敦素も う か と ん そ

mōka tonso 史魚秉直しぎょはいちょく

shigyo haichoku

TRANSLATION Meng Ke was honest, deep and pure; Shi Yu always true and sure.

TRADITIONAL 庶幾中庸 勞謙謹敕 SIMPLIFIED 庶几中庸 劳谦谨敕

MANDARIN shù jī zhōng yōng láo qiān jǐn chì CANTONESE syu géi jūng yùhng lòuh hīm gán chīk

VIETNAMESE thứ kỉ trung dung lao khiêm cẩn sắc

KOREAN 서기중용 seo gi jung yong 노겸근칙 no gyeom geun chik

JAPANESE 庶幾中庸しょきちゅうよう

shoki chūyō 労謙謹勅ろうけんきんちょく

rōken kinchoku

TRANSLATION Approach the Moderated Mean; strive to be modest, on guard to be clean!

TRADITIONAL 聆音察理 鑑貌辨色 SIMPLIFIED 聆音察理 鑑貌辨色

MANDARIN líng yīn chá lǐ jiàn mào biàn sè CANTONESE lìhng yām chaat léih gaam maauh bihn sīk VIETNAMESE linh âm sát lí giám mạo biện sắc

KOREAN 영음찰리 yeong eum chal ri 감모변색 gam mo byeon saek

JAPANESE 聆音察理れいいんさつり

reiin satsuri 鑑貌弁色かんぼうべんしょく

kanbō benshoku

TRANSLATION Examine the tone and reasoning too; consider the face, how it changes hue.

TRADITIONAL 貽厥嘉猷 勉其祗植 SIMPLIFIED

贻厥嘉猷 勉其祗植 MANDARIN yí jué jiā yóu miǎn qí zhī zhí CANTONESE yìh kyut gā yàuh míhn kèih jī jihk

VIETNAMESE di quyết gia du miễn ki chi thực

KOREAN 이궐가유 i gwol ga yu 면기지식 myeon gi ji sik

JAPANESE 貽厥嘉猷い け つ か ゆ う

iketsu kayū 勉其祗植べんきししょく

benki shishoku

TRANSLATION Pass down to others your fine principle; encourage them to carefully stand tall.

TRADITIONAL 省躬譏誡 寵增抗極 SIMPLIFIED 省躬讥诫 宠增抗极

MANDARIN xǐng gōng jī jiè chǒng zēng kàng jí CANTONESE sáang gūng gēi gaai chúng jāng kong gihk VIETNAMESE tỉnh cung ki giới sửng tăng kháng cực

KOREAN 생궁기계 saeng gung gi gye 총증항극 chong jeung hang geuk

JAPANESE 省躬譏誡せいきゅうきかい

seikyū kikai 寵増 抗極ちょうぞうこうきょく

chōzō kōkyoku

TRANSLATION When stung by words, search soul for reason; don’t be flattered into treason.

TRADITIONAL 殆辱近恥 林皋幸即 SIMPLIFIED 殆辱近耻 林皋幸即

MANDARIN dài rǔ jìn chǐ lín gāo xìng jí CANTONESE tóih yuhk gahn chí làhm gōu hahng jīk

VIETNAMESE đãi nhục cận sỉ lâm cao hạnh tức

KOREAN 태욕근치 tae yok geun chi 임고행즉 im go haeng jeuk

JAPANESE 殆辱近恥たいじょくきんち

taijoku kinchi 林皋幸即りんこうこうそく

rinkō kōsoku

TRANSLATION Lurking scandal, looming shame; in joy move up to wood and stream.

TRADITIONAL 兩疏見機 解組誰逼 SIMPLIFIED 两疏见机 解组谁逼

MANDARIN liǎng shū jiàn jī jiě zǔ shéi bī CANTONESE léuhng sō gin gēi gáai jóu sèuih bīk VIETNAMESE lưỡng sơ kiến cơ giải tổ thuỳ bức

KOREAN 양소견기 yang so gyeon gi 해조수핍 hae jo su pip

JAPANESE 両疏見機りょうそけんき

ryōso kenki 解組誰逼かいそすいひょく

kaiso suihyoku

TRANSLATION The brothers Shu saw trouble stem; turned in seals, who forced them?

TRADITIONAL 索居閒處 沈默寂寥 SIMPLIFIED 索居闲处 沈默寂寥

MANDARIN suǒ jū xián chǔ chén mò jì liáo CANTONESE sok gēui hàahn chyu chàhm mahk jihk lìuh

VIETNAMESE tác cư nhàn xử trầm mặc tịch liêu

KOREAN 삭거한처 sak geo han cheo 침묵적요 chim muk jeok yo

JAPANESE 索居閒処さくきょかんしょ

sakukyo kansho 沈黙寂寥ちんもくせきりょう

sanmoku sekiryō

TRANSLATION Alone reside in tranquil spot; speaking little, moving not.

TRADITIONAL 求古尋論 散慮逍遙 SIMPLIFIED 求古寻论 散虑逍遥

MANDARIN qiú gǔ xún lùn sàn lǜ xiāo yǎo CANTONESE kàuh gú chàhm leuhn saan leuih sīu yìuh VIETNAMESE cầu cổ tầm luận tán lự tiêu diêu

KOREAN 구고심론 gu go sim ron 산려소요 san ryeo so yo

JAPANESE 求古尋論きゅうこじんろん

kyūko jinron 散慮逍遥さんりょしょうよう

sanryo shōyō

TRANSLATION Ponder past words, research and write; dispel your cares, live in delight.

TRADITIONAL 欣奏累遣 慼謝歡招 SIMPLIFIED 欣奏累遣 慼谢欢招

MANDARIN xīn zòu lèi qiǎn qī xiè huān zhāo CANTONESE yān jau leuih hín chīk jeh fūn jīu

VIETNAMESE hân tấu lụy khiển thích tạ hoan chiêu

KOREAN 흔주누견 heun ju nu gyeon 척사환초 cheok sa hwan cho

JAPANESE 欣奏累遣きんそうるいけん

kinsō ruiken 慼謝歓招せきしゃかんしょう

sekisha kanshō

TRANSLATION Delights all gathered, drudge dispersed; worries gone, in joy immersed.

TRADITIONAL 渠荷的歷 園莽抽條 SIMPLIFIED 渠荷的历 园莽抽条

MANDARIN qú hé dí lì yuán mǎng chōu tiáo CANTONESE kèuih hoh dīk lihk yùhn móhng chāu tìuh VIETNAMESE cừ hà đích lịch viên mãng trừu điều

KOREAN 거하적력 geo ha jeok ryeok 원망추조 won mang chu jo

JAPANESE 渠荷的歴きょかてきれき

kyoka tekireki 園莽 抽条えんぽうじょうじょう

enpō jōjō

TRANSLATION The beauty of the lotus pond; the garden plants, each stem and frond.

TRADITIONAL 枇杷晚翠 梧桐早凋 SIMPLIFIED 枇杷晚翠 梧桐早凋

MANDARIN pí pá wǎn cuì wú tóng zǎo diāo CANTONESE pèih pàh máahn cheui ǹgh tùhng jóu dīu

VIETNAMESE ti ba vãn thuý ngô đồng tảo điêu

KOREAN 비파만취 bi pa man chwi 오동조조 o dong jo jo

JAPANESE 枇杷晩翠び わ ば ん す い

biwa bansui 梧桐早凋ごとうそうちょう

gotō sōchō

TRANSLATION Loquat late in year still green, Firmiana fast to fall.

TRADITIONAL 陳根委翳 落葉飄颻 SIMPLIFIED 陈根委翳 落叶飘飖

MANDARIN chén gēn wěi yì luò yè piāo yáo CANTONESE chàhn gān wái ai lohk yihp pīu yìuh VIETNAMESE trần căn uỷ ế lạc diệp phiêu diêu

KOREAN 진근위예 jin geun wi ye 낙엽표요 nak eop pyo yo

JAPANESE 陳根委翳ちんこんいえい

chinkon iei 落葉飄揺らくようひょうよう

rakuyō hyōyō

TRANSLATION Old trees bare or dead on ground; fallen leaves fly all around.

TRADITIONAL 遊鵾獨運 凌摩絳霄 SIMPLIFIED 遊鹍独运 凌摩绛霄

MANDARIN yóu kūn dú yùn líng mó jiàng xiāo CANTONESE yàuh kwān duhk wahn lìhng mō gong sīu

VIETNAMESE du côn độc vận lăng ma giáng tiêu

KOREAN 유곤독운 yu gon dok un 능마강소 neung ma gang so

JAPANESE 遊鵾独運ゆうこんどくうん

yūkon dokuun 凌摩絳霄りょうまこうしょう

ryōma kōshō

TRANSLATION The roc flies off alone and high; skirts the red cloud in the sky.

TRADITIONAL 耽讀翫市 寓目囊箱 SIMPLIFIED 耽读翫市 寓目囊箱

MANDARIN dān dú wàn shì yù mù náng xiāng CANTONESE dāam duhk wuhn síh yuh muhk nòhng sēung VIETNAMESE đam độc ngoạn thị ngụ mục nang tương

KOREAN 탐독완시 tam dok wan si 우목낭상 u mok nang sang

JAPANESE 耽読翫市たんどくがんし

tandoku ganshi 寓目囊箱ぐうもくのうそう

gūmoku nōsō

TRANSLATION Dizzy reading, lost in stacks; eyes on bookbags, shelves and racks.

TRADITIONAL 易輶攸畏 屬耳垣墻 SIMPLIFIED 易輶攸畏 属耳垣墙

MANDARIN yì yóu yōu wèi shǔ ěr yuán qiáng CANTONESE yih yàuh yàuh wai suhk yíh wùhn chèuhng

VIETNAMESE dịch du du uý thuộc nhĩ viên tường

KOREAN 이유유외 i yu yu oe 속이원장 sok i won jang

JAPANESE 易輶攸畏い ゆ う ゆ う い

iyū yūi 属耳垣墻しょくじえんしょう

shokuji enshō

TRANSLATION Laxness is a thing to fear; the office wall affixed with ear.

TRADITIONAL 具膳飡飯 適口充腸 SIMPLIFIED 具膳飡饭 适口充肠

MANDARIN jù shàn cān fàn shì kǒu chōng cháng CANTONESE geuih sihn chāan faahn sīk háu chūng chèuhng VIETNAMESE cụ thiện xan phạn quát khẩu sung tràng

KOREAN 구선손반 gu seon son ban 적구충장 jeok gu chung jang

JAPANESE 具膳餐飯ぐぜんさんはん

guzen sanhan 適口 充腸てきこうじゅうちょう

tekikō jūchō

TRANSLATION Prepare the meals, eat enough; the mouth to suit, the gut to stuff.

TRADITIONAL 飽飫烹宰 飢厭糟糠 SIMPLIFIED 饱饫烹宰 饥厌糟糠

MANDARIN bǎo yù pēng zài jī yàn zāo kāng CANTONESE báau yu pāang jói gēi yim jōu hōng

VIETNAMESE bảo ứ phanh tể cơ yếm tao khanh

KOREAN 포어팽재 po eo paeng jae 기염조강 gi yeom jo gang

JAPANESE 飽飫烹宰ほうよほうさい

hōyo hōsai 飢厭糟糠きえんそうこう

kien sōkō

TRANSLATION Gluttons gorged on boiled game; the hungry glad with coarsest grain.

TRADITIONAL 親戚故舊 老少異糧 SIMPLIFIED 亲戚故旧 老少异粮

MANDARIN qīn qī gǔ jiù lǎo shào yì liáng CANTONESE chān chīk gu gauh lóuh siu yih lèuhng VIETNAMESE thân thích cố cựu lão thiểu dị lương

KOREAN 친척고구 chin cheok go gu 노소이량 no so i ryang

JAPANESE 親戚故旧しんせきこきゅう

shinseki kokyū 老少異糧ろうしょういりょう

rōshō iryō

TRANSLATION With family and old friends there; old and young, different fare.

TRADITIONAL 妾御績紡 侍巾帷房 SIMPLIFIED 妾御绩纺 侍巾帷房

MANDARIN qiè yù jī fǎng shì jīn wéi fáng CANTONESE chip yuh jīk fóng sih gān wàih fòhng

VIETNAMESE thiếp ngự tích phưởng thị cân duy phòng

KOREAN 첩어적방 cheop eo jeok bang 시건유방 si geon yu bang

JAPANESE 妾御績紡しょうぎょせきぼう

shōgyo sekibō 侍巾帷房じ き ん い ぼ う

jikin ibō

TRANSLATION Junior wife, spinning thread; combs and towels, making bed.

TRADITIONAL 紈扇圓潔 銀燭煒煌 SIMPLIFIED 纨扇圆洁 银烛炜煌

MANDARIN wán shàn yuán xié yín zhú wěi huáng CANTONESE yùhn sin yùhn git ngàhn jūk wáih wòhng VIETNAMESE hoàn phiến viên kiết ngân chúc vĩ hoàng

KOREAN 환선원결 hwan seon won gyeol 은촉위황 eun chok wi hwang

JAPANESE 紈扇円潔がんせんえんけつ

gansen enketsu 銀燭煒煌ぎんしょくいこう

ginshoku ikō

TRANSLATION Silken fan like moon so bright; silver candleholders’ light.

TRADITIONAL 晝眠夕寐 藍笋象床 SIMPLIFIED 昼眠夕寐 蓝笋象床

MANDARIN zhòu mián xī mèi lán sǔn xiàng chuáng CANTONESE jau mìhn jihk meih làahm séun jeuhng chòhng

VIETNAMESE trú miên tịch mị lan duẩn tượng sàng

KOREAN 주면석매 ju myeon seok mae 남순상상 nam sun sang sang

JAPANESE 昼眠夕寐ちゅうみんせきび

chūmin sekibi 藍 笋 象 床らんじゅんしょうしょう

ranjun shōshō

TRANSLATION Snooze at noontime, sleep at night; bamboo on ivory bed is right.

TRADITIONAL 絃歌酒讌 接盃舉觴 SIMPLIFIED 弦歌酒䜩 接盃举觞

MANDARIN xián gē jiǔ yàn jiē bēi jǔ shāng CANTONESE yìhn gō jáu yin jip būi géui sēung VIETNAMESE huyền ca tửu yến tiếp bôi cử thương

KOREAN 현가주연 hyeon ga ju yeon 접배거상 jeop bae geo sang

JAPANESE 絃歌酒讌げんかしゅえん

genka shuen 接盃舉觴せつはいきょしょう

setsuhai kyoshō

TRANSLATION Music, song, and tippling party, lift the winecups, drink up hearty!

TRADITIONAL 矯手頓足 悅豫且康 SIMPLIFIED 矫手顿足 悦豫且康

MANDARIN jiǎo shǒu dùn zú yuè yù qiě kāng CANTONESE gíu sáu deuhn jūk yuht yuh ché hōng

VIETNAMESE kiểu thủ đốc túc duyệt dự thả khang

KOREAN 교수돈족 gyo su don jok 열예차강 yeol ye cha gang

JAPANESE 矯手頓足きょうしゅとんそく

kyōshu tonsoku 悅予且康えつよしゃこう

etsuyo shako

TRANSLATION Lift your hands and stomp your feet, happy, healthy, with the beat!

TRADITIONAL 嫡後嗣續 祭祀烝嘗 SIMPLIFIED 嫡后嗣续 祭祀烝尝

MANDARIN dí hòu sì xù jì sì zhēng cháng CANTONESE dīk hauh jih juhk jai jih jīng sèuhng VIETNAMESE đích hậu tự tục tế tự chưng thường

KOREAN 적후사속 jeok hu sa sok 제사증상 je sa jeung sang

JAPANESE 嫡後嗣続てきこうししょく

tekikō shishoku 祭祀烝嘗さいしじょうしょう

saishi jōshō

TRANSLATION Main queen’s sons continuing; winter, autumn worshipping.

TRADITIONAL 稽顙再拜 悚懼恐惶 SIMPLIFIED 稽颡再拜 悚惧恐惶

MANDARIN jī sǎng zài bài sǒng jù kǒng huáng CANTONESE kāi sóng joi baai súng geuih húng wòhng

VIETNAMESE kê tảng tái bái tủng cụ khủng hoàng

KOREAN 계상재배 gye sang jae bae 송구공황 song gu gong hwang

JAPANESE 稽顙再拝けいそうさいはい

keisō saihai 悚懼恐惶しょうくきょうこう

shōku kyōkō

TRANSLATION Kneel and knock, again ground head; sincere respect, in grief and dread.

TRADITIONAL 牋牒簡要 顧答審詳 SIMPLIFIED 牋牒简要 顾答审详

MANDARIN jiān dié jiǎn yào gù dá shěn xiáng CANTONESE jīn dihp gáan yiu gu daap sám chèuhng VIETNAMESE tiên điệp giản yếu cố đáp thẩm tường

KOREAN 전첩간요 jeon cheop gan yo 고답심상 go dap sim sing

JAPANESE 牋牒簡要せんちょうかんよう

senchō kan'yō 顧答審詳ことうしんしょう

kotō shinshō

TRANSLATION Your notes and letters brief, concise; replies detailed, thorough, wise.

TRADITIONAL 骸垢想浴 執熱願涼 SIMPLIFIED 骸垢想浴 执热愿凉

MANDARIN hái gòu xiǎng yù zhí rè yuàn liáng CANTONESE hàaih gau séung yuhk jāp yiht yuhn lèuhng

VIETNAMESE hái cấu tưởng dục chấp nhiệt nguyện lương

KOREAN 해구상욕 hae gu sang yok 집열원량 jip yeol won ryang

JAPANESE 骸垢想浴がいこうそうよく

gaikō sōyoku 執熱 願涼しゅうねつがんりょう

shūnetsu ganryō

TRANSLATION Bones dirty, long for bathing pool; too hot to handle, wish for cool.

TRADITIONAL 驢騾犢特 駭躍超驤 SIMPLIFIED 驴骡犊特 骇跃超骧

MANDARIN lǘ luó dú tè hài yuè chāo xiāng CANTONESE lèuih lòh duhk dahk háaih yeuk chīu sēung VIETNAMESE lư loa độc đặc hải dược siêu tương

KOREAN 여라독특 yeo ra dok teuk 해약초양 hae yak cho yang

JAPANESE 驢騾犢特ろ ら と く と く

rora tokutoku 駭躍 超驤がいやくちょうじょう

gaiyaku chōjō

TRANSLATION Donkey, mule, calf and bull; leaping, rearing, panic full.

TRADITIONAL 誅斬賊盜 捕獲叛亡 SIMPLIFIED 诛斩贼盗 捕获叛亡

MANDARIN zhū zhǎn zéi dào bǔ huò pàn wáng CANTONESE jyū jáam chaahk douh bouh wohk buhn mòhng

VIETNAMESE tru trảm tặc đạo bộ hoạch bạn vong

KOREAN 주참적도 ju cham jeok do 포획반망 po hoek ban mang

JAPANESE 誅斬賊盗ちゅうざんぞくとう

chūzan zokutō 捕獲叛亡ほかくはんぼう

hokaku hanbō

TRANSLATION Kill thieves and bandits, every one; arrest and try those on the run.

TRADITIONAL 布射遼丸 嵇琴阮嘯 SIMPLIFIED 布射辽丸 嵇琴阮啸

MANDARIN bù shè liáo wán jī qín ruǎn xiào CANTONESE bou seh lìuh yún kāi kàhm yún siu VIETNAMESE bố xạ liêu hoàn kê cầm nguyễn khiếu

KOREAN 포사료환 po sa ryo hwan 혜금완소 hye geum wan so

JAPANESE 布射遼丸ふしゃりょうがん

fusha ryōgan 嵆琴阮嘯けいきんげんしょう

keikin genshō

TRANSLATION Luu Bu’s bow, Yi Liao’s balls; Ji Kang’s zither, Ruan Ji’s calls.

TRADITIONAL 恬筆倫紙 鈞巧任釣 SIMPLIFIED

恬笔伦纸 钧巧任钓 MANDARIN tián bǐ lún zhǐ jūn qiǎo rèn diào CANTONESE tíhm bāt lèuhn jí gwān háau yahm diu

VIETNAMESE điềm bút luân chỉ quân xảo nhậm điếu

KOREAN 염필륜지 yeom pil ryun ji 균교임조 gyun gyo im jo

JAPANESE 恬筆倫紙てんぴつりんし

tenpitsu rinshi 鈞巧任釣きんこうじんちょう

kinkō jinchō

TRANSLATION Tian gave us brush, Lun, paper fine; Jun compass, wheels, Ren, hook and line.

TRADITIONAL 釋紛利俗 並皆佳妙 SIMPLIFIED 释纷利俗 并皆佳妙

MANDARIN shì fēn lì sú bìng jiē jiā miào CANTONESE sīk fān leih juhk bihng gāai gāai miuh VIETNAMESE thích phân lợi tục tịnh giai giai diệu

KOREAN 석분리속 seok bun ri sok 병개가묘 byeong gae ga myo

JAPANESE 釈紛利俗しゃくふんりぞく

shakufun rizon 並皆佳妙へいかいかみょう

heikai kamyō

TRANSLATION Peace and benefit to us; together all are marvelous.

TRADITIONAL 毛施淑姿 工顰妍笑 SIMPLIFIED 毛施淑姿 工颦妍笑

MANDARIN máo shī shú zī gōng pín yán xiào CANTONESE mòuh sī sūk jī gūng pàhn yìhn siu

VIETNAMESE mai thu thục tư công tần nghiên tiếu

KOREAN 모시숙자 mo si suk ja 공빈연소 gong bin yeon so

JAPANESE 毛施淑姿もうししゅくし

mōshi shukushi 工顰妍笑こうひんけんしょう

kōhin kenshō

TRANSLATION Mao and Shi, most beautiful; brows knit in pain, smile charming still.

TRADITIONAL 年矢每催 曦暉朗耀 SIMPLIFIED 年矢每催 曦晖朗耀

MANDARIN nián shǐ méi cuī xī huī láng yào CANTONESE nìhn chí múih chēui hēi fāi lóhng yiuh VIETNAMESE niên thỉ mỗi thôi hi huy lãng diệu

KOREAN 연시매최 yeon si mae choe 희휘낭요 hui hwi nang yo

JAPANESE 年矢毎催ねんしまいさい

nenshi maisai 曦暉朗耀ぎ き ろ う よ う

giki rōyō

TRANSLATION The clock of years times out all lives; the blazing sun alone survives.

TRADITIONAL 璇璣懸斡 晦魄環照 SIMPLIFIED

璇玑悬斡 晦魄环照 MANDARIN xuán jī xuán wò huī pò huán zhào CANTONESE syùhn gēi yùhn gún fui paak wàahn jiu

VIETNAMESE tuyền ki huyền oát hối phách hoàn chiếu

KOREAN 선기현알 seon gi hyeon al 회백환조 hoe baek hwan jo

JAPANESE 璇璣懸斡せんきけんあつ

senki ken'atsu 晦魄環照かいはくかんしょう

kaihaku kanshō

TRANSLATION The Dipper turns suspended in the night; world bathed by last moon’s pale and gloomy light.

TRADITIONAL 指薪修祜 永綏吉劭 SIMPLIFIED 指薪修祜 永绥吉劭

MANDARIN zhǐ xīn xīu hù yǒng suī jí shào CANTONESE jí sān sāu wú wíhng sēui gāt siuh VIETNAMESE chỉ tân tu hỗ vĩnh tuy cát thiệu

KOREAN 지신수우 ji sin su u 영수길소 yeong su gil so

JAPANESE 指薪修祜ししんしゅうこ

shishin shūko 永綏吉劭えいすいきっしょう

eisui kisshō

TRANSLATION Ideas to tinder, leave them blessed; always encourage, guide, suggest.

TRADITIONAL 矩步引領 俯仰廊廟 SIMPLIFIED 矩步引领 俯仰廊庙

MANDARIN jù bù yǐn lǐng fǔ yǎng láng miào CANTONESE géui bouh yáhn líhng fú yéuhng lòhng miuh

VIETNAMESE củ bộ dẫn lĩnh phủ ngưỡng lang miếu

KOREAN 구보인령 gu bo in ryeong 부앙낭묘 bu ang nang myo

JAPANESE 矩歩引領くほいんりょう

kuho inryō 俯仰廊廟ふぎょうろうびょう

fugyō rōbyō

TRANSLATION Measured steps, neck thrust forward; all the bowing, life at court.

TRADITIONAL 束帶矜莊 徘徊瞻眺 SIMPLIFIED

束带矜庄 徘徊瞻眺 MANDARIN shù dài jīn zhuàng pái huái zhān tiào CANTONESE chūk daai gīng jōng pùih wùih jīm tiu VIETNAMESE thúc đái căng trang bồi hồi chiêm thiếu

KOREAN 속대긍장 sok dae geung jang 배회첨조 bae hoe cheom jo

JAPANESE 束帯矜荘そくたいきょうぞう

sokutai kyōzō 徘徊瞻眺はいかいせんちょう

haikai senchō

TRANSLATION Robes wrapped with sash, severe and grand; calmly pace, behold your land.

TRADITIONAL 孤陋寡聞 愚蒙等誚 SIMPLIFIED 孤陋寡闻 愚蒙等诮

MANDARIN gū lòu guā wén yǔ méng děng qiào CANTONESE gū lauh gwá màhn yùh mùhng dáng chiu

VIETNAMESE cô lậu quả văn ngu mông đẳng tiếu

KOREAN 고루과문 go ru gwa mun 우몽등초 u mong deung cho

JAPANESE 孤陋寡聞こ ろ う か ぶ ん

korō kabun 愚蒙等誚ぐもうとうしょう

gumō tōshō

TRANSLATION Fools and ignoramuses; dimwits too, ridiculous.

TRADITIONAL 謂語助者 焉哉乎也 SIMPLIFIED 谓语助者 焉哉乎也

MANDARIN wèi yǔ zhù zhe yān zāi hū yě CANTONESE waih yúh joh jé yīn jōi fùh yáh VIETNAMESE vị ngữ trợ giả yên tai hồ giả

KOREAN 위어조자 wi eo jo ja 언재호야 eon jae ho ya

JAPANESE 謂語助者い ご じ ょ し ゃ

igo josha 焉哉乎也え ん さ い こ や

ensai koya

TRANSLATION So-called helpers; Yan, Zai, Hu, Ye.

References

[1] Thousand Character Classic: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thousand_Character_Classic [2] Original text: http://web.mit.edu/shou/Public/esp/thousand_word_classic_12pt_withcommentary.pdf [3] English translation: http://www.camcc.org/_media/reading-group/qianziwen-en.pdf [4] Pinyin romanization: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinyin [5] Cantonese pronunciation dictionary:

http://py.chinesebay.com/cm/%E7%B2%A4%E8%AF%AD%E6%8B%BC%E9%9F%B3%E5%9B%BD%E8%AF%AD%E8%AF%BB%E9%9F%B3

[6] Cantonese romanization converter: http://www.kodensha.jp/webapp/cantonese/can_converter_e.html [7] Yale Cantonese romanization: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yale_romanization_of_Cantonese [8] Vietnamese version: http://vi.wikisource.org/wiki/Thi%C3%AAn_T%E1%BB%B1_V%C4%83n [9] Korean version: http://ko.wikipedia.org/wiki/%EC%B2%9C%EC%9E%90%EB%AC%B8

[10] Revised romanization of Korean: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revised_Romanization_of_Korean [11] Japanese version: http://www.seikeikai.net/senji/page_sekf080300.html [12] Japanese version (another link): http://shodo-seisen.com/blog/blog_20140321.html [13] Hepburn romanization: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revised_Hepburn