Qian Zi Wen (千字文) · Volume 1

天地玄黃宇宙洪荒日月盈昃辰宿列張寒來暑往秋收冬藏

Heaven is dark-blue and earth is yellow; when the universe first opened, all was vast, murky chaos. The sun rises and slants westward, the moon waxes and wanes, and the stars are spread across the sky. Cold comes and heat goes; autumn brings the harvest and winter the storing away.

天地玄黃宇宙洪荒日月盈昃辰宿列張寒來暑往秋收冬藏

Heaven is dark-blue and earth is yellow; when the universe first opened, all was vast, murky chaos. The sun rises and slants westward, the moon waxes and wanes, and the stars are spread across the sky. Cold comes and heat goes; autumn brings the harvest and winter the storing away.

閏餘成歲律呂調陽雲騰致雨露結為霜金生麗水玉出崑岡

The leftover days are gathered into an intercalary month to fill out the year; the twelve pitch-pipes harmonize yin and yang. Vapor rises and turns to rain; dew congeals and becomes frost. Gold comes from Li River, and fine jade from Mount Kun.

閏餘成歲律呂調陽雲騰致雨露結為霜金生麗水玉出昆岡

The leftover days are gathered into an intercalary month to fill out the year; the twelve pitch-pipes harmonize yin and yang. Vapor rises and turns to rain; dew congeals and becomes frost. Gold comes from Li River, and fine jade from Mount Kun.

劍號巨闕珠稱夜光果珍李柰菜重芥薑海鹹河淡鱗潛羽翔

Among famed swords, Juque is the foremost; among bright pearls, Night-Radiance is the one to name. Of fruits, the prized ones are plums and crabapples; of vegetables, the valued ones are mustard greens and ginger. The sea is salty and the rivers fresh; fish dive in the depths and birds soar in the air.

劍號巨闕珠稱夜光果珍李柰菜重芥姜海鹹河淡鱗潛羽翔

Among famed swords, Juque is the foremost; among bright pearls, Night-Radiance is the one to name. Of fruits, the prized ones are plums and crabapples; of vegetables, the valued ones are mustard greens and ginger. The sea is salty and the rivers fresh; fish dive in the depths and birds soar in the air.

龍師火帝鳥官人皇始制文字乃服衣裳推位讓國有虞陶唐

There were Fuxi, who named his officials after dragons, Shennong, who named his after fire, Shaohao, who named his after birds, and also the Human Sovereign. Cang Jie first created writing, and then people put on clothing. Those who yielded the throne were Yu Shun and Tang Yao.

龍師火帝鳥官人皇始制文字乃服衣裳推位讓國有虞陶唐

There were Fuxi, who named his officials after dragons, Shennong, who named his after fire, Shaohao, who named his after birds, and also the Human Sovereign. Cang Jie first created writing, and then people put on clothing. Those who yielded the throne were Yu Shun and Tang Yao.

弔民伐罪周發殷湯坐朝問道垂拱平章愛育黎首臣伏戎羌

Those who comforted the people and punished the guilty ruler were King Wu of Zhou, Ji Fa, and Tang of Shang. They sat in court and asked after government, and with robes hanging and hands folded they ruled in clear order. They cherished and nurtured the common people, and even the Rong and Qiang tribes submitted and became vassals.

弔民伐罪周發殷湯坐朝問道垂拱平章愛育黎首臣伏戎羌

Those who comforted the people and punished the guilty ruler were King Wu of Zhou, Ji Fa, and Tang of Shang. They sat in court and asked after government, and with robes hanging and hands folded they ruled in clear order. They cherished and nurtured the common people, and even the Rong and Qiang tribes submitted and became vassals.

遐邇一體率賓歸王鳴鳳在竹白駒食場化被草木賴及萬方

Far and near were as one body, all coming to submit to the king. Phoenixes cried in the bamboo groves, and white horses grazed peacefully in the fields. His teaching reached even the grass and trees, and his kindness spread to all four quarters.

遐邇一體率賓歸王鳴鳳在竹白駒食場化被草木賴及萬方

Far and near were as one body, all coming to submit to the king. Phoenixes cried in the bamboo groves, and white horses grazed peacefully in the fields. His teaching reached even the grass and trees, and his kindness spread to all four quarters.

蓋此身髪四大五常恭惟鞠養豈敢毀傷女慕貞潔男效才良

This body, with its skin and hair, comes from the four elements and the five constant virtues. Reverently remembering how our parents raised us, how dare we cause it the slightest harm? Women should admire chastity, and men should emulate talent and virtue.

蓋此身發四大五常恭惟鞠養豈敢毀傷女慕貞潔男效才良

This body, with its skin and hair, comes from the four elements and the five constant virtues. Reverently remembering how our parents raised us, how dare we cause it the slightest harm? Women should admire chastity, and men should emulate talent and virtue.

知過必改得能莫忘罔談彼短靡恃己長信使可覆器欲難量

When you know a fault, be sure to correct it; when you have learned a skill, do not forget it. Do not speak of other people's shortcomings, and do not rely on your own strengths. Make your promises good, and let your capacity be too great to measure.

知過必改得能莫忘罔談彼短靡恃己長信使可復器欲難量

When you know a fault, be sure to correct it; when you have learned a skill, do not forget it. Do not speak of other people's shortcomings, and do not rely on your own strengths. Make your promises good, and let your capacity be too great to measure.

墨悲絲染詩贊羔羊景行維賢克唸作聖德建名立形端表正

Mozi sighed over white silk taking on dye, and the Book of Songs praised thrift in the ode "Lamb and Sheep." One who looks up to lofty virtue is a worthy; one who can restrain selfish thoughts becomes a sage. When virtue is established, reputation is established; when the body is upright, the bearing is naturally upright.

墨悲絲染詩讚羔羊景行維賢克唸作聖德建名立形端表正

Mozi sighed over white silk taking on dye, and the Book of Songs praised thrift in the ode "Lamb and Sheep." One who looks up to lofty virtue is a worthy; one who can restrain selfish thoughts becomes a sage. When virtue is established, reputation is established; when the body is upright, the bearing is naturally upright.

空谷傳聲虛堂習聽禍因惡積福緣善慶尺璧非寶寸陰是競

An empty valley carries sound, and an empty hall easily gives back echoes. Disaster comes from accumulated evil, and blessing comes from doing good. A foot-wide piece of jade is no treasure; it is an inch of time that is worth striving for.

空谷傳聲虛堂習聽禍因惡積福緣善慶尺璧非寶寸陰是競

An empty valley carries sound, and an empty hall easily gives back echoes. Disaster comes from accumulated evil, and blessing comes from doing good. A foot-wide piece of jade is no treasure; it is an inch of time that is worth striving for.

資父事君曰嚴與敬孝當竭力忠則盡命臨深履薄夙興溫凊

To serve the ruler with the heart with which you serve your father is a matter of strictness and reverence. Filial piety should use up all your strength, and loyalty should not spare your life. Be as if standing at the edge of an abyss or treading on thin ice; rise early and retire late, and attend your parents, keeping them warm in winter and cool in summer.

資父事君曰嚴與敬孝當竭力忠則盡命臨深履薄夙興溫凊

To serve the ruler with the heart with which you serve your father is a matter of strictness and reverence. Filial piety should use up all your strength, and loyalty should not spare your life. Be as if standing at the edge of an abyss or treading on thin ice; rise early and retire late, and attend your parents, keeping them warm in winter and cool in summer.

似蘭斯馨如松之盛川流不息淵澄取映容止若思言辭安定

Let your virtue be fragrant like orchids and flourishing like pines and cypresses. Be like a river that flows without ceasing, and like a deep pool so clear that it reflects all things. Let your bearing seem thoughtful, and your speech be calm and steady.

似蘭斯馨如松之盛川流不息淵澄取映容止若思言辭安定

Let your virtue be fragrant like orchids and flourishing like pines and cypresses. Be like a river that flows without ceasing, and like a deep pool so clear that it reflects all things. Let your bearing seem thoughtful, and your speech be calm and steady.

篤初誠美慎終宜令榮業所基籍甚無竟學優登仕攝職從政

A solid beginning is good, but a careful ending is what makes it complete. When a glorious career has its foundation, its fame is passed on without end. One whose learning is excellent goes out to take office, and holds a post to take part in government.

篤初誠美慎終宜令榮業所基籍甚無竟學優登仕攝職從政

A solid beginning is good, but a careful ending is what makes it complete. When a glorious career has its foundation, its fame is passed on without end. One whose learning is excellent goes out to take office, and holds a post to take part in government.

存以甘棠去而益詠樂殊貴賤禮別尊卑上和下睦夫唱婦隨

While Duke Shao lived, he heard lawsuits beneath the sweet pear tree, and after he was gone people sang of that tree all the more. Music has its high and low grades, and ritual its honored and humble ranks. Those above are gentle and those below are harmonious; the husband leads and the wife follows.

存以甘棠去而益詠樂殊貴賤禮別尊卑上和下睦夫唱婦隨

While Duke Shao lived, he heard lawsuits beneath the sweet pear tree, and after he was gone people sang of that tree all the more. Music has its high and low grades, and ritual its honored and humble ranks. Those above are gentle and those below are harmonious; the husband leads and the wife follows.

外受傅訓入奉母儀諸姑伯叔猶子比兒孔懷兄弟同氣連枝

Outside the home, receive the teaching of your tutors; inside, follow the example of your mother. Toward aunts and uncles, treat your nephews and nieces as though they were your own children. Brothers think deeply of one another; they share one breath, like branches growing together.

外受傅訓入奉母儀諸姑伯叔猶子比兒孔懷兄弟同氣連枝

Outside the home, receive the teaching of your tutors; inside, follow the example of your mother. Toward aunts and uncles, treat your nephews and nieces as though they were your own children. Brothers think deeply of one another; they share one breath, like branches growing together.

交友投分切磨箴規仁慈隱惻造次弗離節義廉退顛沛匪虧

In friendship, be of like mind, and polish and refine one another, offering counsel and warning. The heart of benevolence and compassion must not leave you even in haste; the integrity of righteousness, honesty, and modesty must not fail even in times of hardship and wandering.

交友投分切磨箴規仁慈隱惻造次弗離節義廉退顛沛匪虧

In friendship, be of like mind, and polish and refine one another, offering counsel and warning. The heart of benevolence and compassion must not leave you even in haste; the integrity of righteousness, honesty, and modesty must not fail even in times of hardship and wandering.

性靜情逸心動神疲守真志滿逐物意移堅持雅操好爵自縻

When your nature is calm, your feelings are at ease; when your heart stirs, your spirit grows weary. Hold to your true nature and your will is naturally full; chase after external things and your thoughts shift with them. Keep to elegant principles, and a fine rank will attach itself to you.

性靜情逸心動神疲守真志滿逐物意移堅持雅操好爵自縻

When your nature is calm, your feelings are at ease; when your heart stirs, your spirit grows weary. Hold to your true nature and your will is naturally full; chase after external things and your thoughts shift with them. Keep to elegant principles, and a fine rank will attach itself to you.

都邑華夏東西二京背邙面洛浮渭據涇宮殿盤鬱樓觀飛驚

The capitals of China are the two cities, east and west. Luoyang has Mount Mang at its back and faces the Luo River; Chang'an floats on the Wei River and leans on the Jing. The palaces wind deep and far, and the towers rise so high they startle the heart.

都邑華夏東西二京背邙面洛浮渭據涇宮殿盤鬱樓觀飛驚

The capitals of China are the two cities, east and west. Luoyang has Mount Mang at its back and faces the Luo River; Chang'an floats on the Wei River and leans on the Jing. The palaces wind deep and far, and the towers rise so high they startle the heart.

圖寫禽獸畫綵仙靈丙舍傍啟甲帳對楹肆筵設席鼓瑟吹笙

On the halls are painted birds and beasts, and colored images of immortals and wonders. Side chambers open on both sides, and splendid curtains face the pillars. Banquet mats are spread, zithers are played, and reed pipes are blown.

圖寫禽獸畫彩仙靈丙舍傍啟甲帳對楹肆筵設席鼓瑟吹笙

On the halls are painted birds and beasts, and colored images of immortals and wonders. Side chambers open on both sides, and splendid curtains face the pillars. Banquet mats are spread, zithers are played, and reed pipes are blown.

陞階納陛弁轉疑星右通廣內左達承明既集墳典亦聚群英

Climbing the steps and entering the palace court, the jade ornaments on the caps sway, and in the distance they look like stars. On the right one reaches the Guangnei Hall, and on the left the Chengming Lodge. Here were collected the ancient books of the Three Tombs and Five Canons, and here gathered many outstanding talents.

升階納陛弁轉疑星右通廣內左達承明既集墳典亦聚群英

Climbing the steps and entering the palace court, the jade ornaments on the caps sway, and in the distance they look like stars. On the right one reaches the Guangnei Hall, and on the left the Chengming Lodge. Here were collected the ancient books of the Three Tombs and Five Canons, and here gathered many outstanding talents.

杜稾鍾隸漆書壁經府羅將相路俠槐卿戶封八縣家給千兵

There were Du Du's draft cursive and Zhong Yao's clerical script, ancient books written in lacquer and scriptures hidden in the wall of Confucius's house. In the offices stood ranks of generals and ministers, and along the roads stood lines of high officials. Their fiefs were granted eight counties, and they were given a thousand household soldiers.

杜稿鍾隸漆書壁經府羅將相路俠槐卿戶封八縣家給千兵

There were Du Du's draft cursive and Zhong Yao's clerical script, ancient books written in lacquer and scriptures hidden in the wall of Confucius's house. In the offices stood ranks of generals and ministers, and along the roads stood lines of high officials. Their fiefs were granted eight counties, and they were given a thousand household soldiers.

高冠陪輦驅轂振纓世祿侈富車駕肥輕策功茂實勒碑刻銘

Wearing tall caps, they attended the king's carriage, and their cap-strings fluttered as they drove swiftly. Generation after generation they enjoyed salaries, lavish and wealthy, riding fat horses and wearing light furs. Merit was recorded so as to be genuine, and so it was carved on stone tablets.

高冠陪輦驅轂振纓世祿侈富車駕肥輕策功茂實勒碑刻銘

Wearing tall caps, they attended the king's carriage, and their cap-strings fluttered as they drove swiftly. Generation after generation they enjoyed salaries, lavish and wealthy, riding fat horses and wearing light furs. Merit was recorded so as to be genuine, and so it was carved on stone tablets.

磻溪伊尹佐時阿衡奄宅曲阜微旦孰營桓公匡合濟弱扶傾

Jiang Shang fished at Panxi, and Yi Yin assisted Tang of Shang as his chief minister. The Duke of Zhou was enfeoffed at Qufu; without him, who could have built such a foundation? Duke Huan of Qi set the world right and gathered the feudal lords, aiding the weak and propping up those about to fall.

磻溪伊尹佐時阿衡奄宅曲阜微旦孰營桓公匡合濟弱扶傾

Jiang Shang fished at Panxi, and Yi Yin assisted Tang of Shang as his chief minister. The Duke of Zhou was enfeoffed at Qufu; without him, who could have built such a foundation? Duke Huan of Qi set the world right and gathered the feudal lords, aiding the weak and propping up those about to fall.

綺迴漢惠說感武丁俊乂密勿多士寔寧晉楚更霸趙魏困橫

Qili Ji turned around the matter of deposing and replacing the heir of Emperor Hui of Han, and Fu Yue moved Wu Ding, High Ancestor of Yin. Talented men labored diligently, and the many worthies brought peace to the state. Jin and Chu successively became hegemons, while Zhao and Wei were hemmed in by the horizontal alliance.

綺回漢惠說感武丁俊乂密勿多士寔寧晉楚更霸趙魏困橫

Qili Ji turned around the matter of deposing and replacing the heir of Emperor Hui of Han, and Fu Yue moved Wu Ding, High Ancestor of Yin. Talented men labored diligently, and the many worthies brought peace to the state. Jin and Chu successively became hegemons, while Zhao and Wei were hemmed in by the horizontal alliance.

假途滅虢踐土會盟何遵約法韓弊煩刑起翦頗牧用軍最精

Jin borrowed passage to destroy the state of Guo, and Duke Wen of Jin convened the lords in a covenant at Jiantu. Xiao He kept to the three-article law, while Han Fei was brought down by harsh and burdensome punishments. Bai Qi, Wang Jian, Lian Po, and Li Mu were the most skillful at warfare.

假途滅虢踐土會盟何遵約法韓弊煩刑起翦頗牧用軍最精

Jin borrowed passage to destroy the state of Guo, and Duke Wen of Jin convened the lords in a covenant at Jiantu. Xiao He kept to the three-article law, while Han Fei was brought down by harsh and burdensome punishments. Bai Qi, Wang Jian, Lian Po, and Li Mu were the most skillful at warfare.

宣威沙漠馳譽丹青九州禹跡百郡秦並嶽宗泰岱禪主雲亭

Their awesome fame spread to the desert, and their renown remains in portraits. The Nine Provinces are the traces of Yu the Great's travels, and the hundred commanderies were swallowed up by Qin. Of the Five Peaks, Mount Tai is the chief, and the feng and shan sacrifices were centered on Mount Yun and Mount Ting.

宣威沙漠馳譽丹青九州禹跡百郡秦並嶽宗泰岱禪主雲亭

Their awesome fame spread to the desert, and their renown remains in portraits. The Nine Provinces are the traces of Yu the Great's travels, and the hundred commanderies were swallowed up by Qin. Of the Five Peaks, Mount Tai is the chief, and the feng and shan sacrifices were centered on Mount Yun and Mount Ting.

鴈門紫塞雞田赤城昆池碣石鉅野洞庭曠遠緜邈巖岫杳冥

There are Yanmen Pass and the Purple Frontier Wall, the Jitian post station and Mount Chicheng; there are Kunming Lake and Mount Jieshi, the Juye marsh and Lake Dongting. The open plains stretch far and wide without end, and the mountain ridges and caves are deep and unfathomable.

雁門紫塞雞田赤城昆池碣石鉅野洞庭曠遠綿邈巖岫杳冥

There are Yanmen Pass and the Purple Frontier Wall, the Jitian post station and Mount Chicheng; there are Kunming Lake and Mount Jieshi, the Juye marsh and Lake Dongting. The open plains stretch far and wide without end, and the mountain ridges and caves are deep and unfathomable.

治本於農務資稼穡俶載南畝我藝黍稷稅熟貢新勸賞黜陟

To govern a state, take agriculture as the root, and be sure to devote effort to plowing and harvesting. Open up the sunny fields to plow, and plant millet and sorghum. When the grain is ripe, pay the tax and offer the new crop; reward and encourage the diligent farmers, and let officials be demoted or promoted accordingly.

治本於農務資稼穡俶載南畝我藝黍稷稅熟貢新勸賞黜陟

To govern a state, take agriculture as the root, and be sure to devote effort to plowing and harvesting. Open up the sunny fields to plow, and plant millet and sorghum. When the grain is ripe, pay the tax and offer the new crop; reward and encourage the diligent farmers, and let officials be demoted or promoted accordingly.

孟軻敦素史魚秉直庶幾中庸勞謙謹敕聆音察理鑒貌辨色

Mencius was sincere and plain, and Shi Yu was upright by nature. If you wish to come close to the Middle Way, you must be diligent, modest, and careful in self-discipline. When you hear what others say, weigh the reasoning; when you observe a person's face, discern the expression.

孟軻敦素史魚秉直庶幾中庸勞謙謹敕聆音察理鑑貌辨色

Mencius was sincere and plain, and Shi Yu was upright by nature. If you wish to come close to the Middle Way, you must be diligent, modest, and careful in self-discipline. When you hear what others say, weigh the reasoning; when you observe a person's face, discern the expression.