Qian Zi Wen (千字文) · Volume 2

貽厥嘉猷勉其祗植省躬譏誡寵增抗極殆辱近恥林皋幸即

Leave good counsel to later generations, and encourage them to stand in the world with reverence and care. When you hear criticism, examine yourself; when favor grows great, guard against having peaked. Danger and humiliation come close to disgrace, so it is better to withdraw early to the woods and marshes.

貽厥嘉猷勉其祗植省躬譏誡寵增抗極殆辱近恥林皋幸即

Leave good counsel to later generations, and encourage them to stand in the world with reverence and care. When you hear criticism, examine yourself; when favor grows great, guard against having peaked. Danger and humiliation come close to disgrace, so it is better to withdraw early to the woods and marshes.

兩疏見機解組誰逼索居閒處沈默寂寥求古尋論散慮逍遙

The two Shus, Guang and Shou, saw the omens and untied their seal ribbons on their own; who had forced them? Living alone in quiet seclusion, silent and still. They sought the ancient Way and pondered earlier teachings, dispelled their worries, and wandered free and at ease.

兩疏見機解組誰逼索居閒處沉默寂寥求古尋論散慮逍遙

The two Shus, Guang and Shou, saw the omens and untied their seal ribbons on their own; who had forced them? Living alone in quiet seclusion, silent and still. They sought the ancient Way and pondered earlier teachings, dispelled their worries, and wandered free and at ease.

欣奏累遣慼謝歡招渠荷的歷園莽抽條枇杷晚翠梧桐蚤凋

Joyful things gather and burdens are sent away; sorrows depart and gladness is called in. The lotuses in the ditch are bright to the eye, and the plants in the garden put out new shoots. The loquat stays green through winter, while the parasol tree withers early.

欣奏累遣戚謝歡招渠荷的歷園莽抽條枇杷晚翠梧桐蚤凋

Joyful things gather and burdens are sent away; sorrows depart and gladness is called in. The lotuses in the ditch are bright to the eye, and the plants in the garden put out new shoots. The loquat stays green through winter, while the parasol tree withers early.

陳根委翳落葉飄颻遊鵾獨運淩摩絳霄耽讀翫市寓目囊箱

Old roots wither and fall, and fallen leaves drift in the wind. The Kun bird roams alone, rising straight up to brush the red clouds. Absorbed in reading and lingering at the book market, the books that passed before the eyes filled bags and chests.

陳根委翳落葉飄搖遊鵾獨運凌摩絳霄耽讀玩市寓目囊箱

Old roots wither and fall, and fallen leaves drift in the wind. The Kun bird roams alone, rising straight up to brush the red clouds. Absorbed in reading and lingering at the book market, the books that passed before the eyes filled bags and chests.

易輶攸畏屬耳垣牆具膳湌飯適口充腸飽飫烹宰饑厭糟糠

Careless words are most to be feared, for there are ears pressed against the wall. Prepare meals and eat, seeking only what suits the mouth and fills the stomach. When full, even the finest cooking is nothing special; when starving, even chaff and dregs taste sweet.

易輶攸畏屬耳垣牆具膳餐飯適口充腸飽飫烹宰飢厭糟糠

Careless words are most to be feared, for there are ears pressed against the wall. Prepare meals and eat, seeking only what suits the mouth and fills the stomach. When full, even the finest cooking is nothing special; when starving, even chaff and dregs taste sweet.

親戚故舊老少異糧妾御績紡侍巾帷房紈扇圓絜銀燭煒煌

Relatives and old friends come to visit, and old and young are served different food. Maidservants and concubines spin hemp and yarn, and wait on towels and combs in the inner chambers. The round fan of fine silk is round and pure, and the silvery candle flames burn bright and splendid.

親戚故舊老少異糧妾御績紡侍巾帷房紈扇圓絜銀燭煒煌

Relatives and old friends come to visit, and old and young are served different food. Maidservants and concubines spin hemp and yarn, and wait on towels and combs in the inner chambers. The round fan of fine silk is round and pure, and the silvery candle flames burn bright and splendid.

晝眠夕寐藍筍象床絃歌酒讌接杯舉觴矯手頓足悅豫且康

They nap by day and sleep soundly at night, resting on green bamboo mats and ivory beds. They play strings and sing, set out wine feasts, and take the cup and raise it high. They dance with raised hands and stamping feet, joyful and well.

晝眠夕寐藍筍象床絃歌酒宴接杯舉觴矯手頓足悅豫且康

They nap by day and sleep soundly at night, resting on green bamboo mats and ivory beds. They play strings and sing, set out wine feasts, and take the cup and raise it high. They dance with raised hands and stamping feet, joyful and well.

嫡後嗣續祭祀烝嘗稽顙再拜悚懼恐惶牋牒簡要顧答審詳

The eldest son of the main line inherits the family estate, and the winter and autumn sacrifices are held on time. They bow with foreheads to the ground, kneel again and again, their hearts full of awe and trepidation. Letters and documents should be brief, and answers to questions should be careful and thorough.

嫡後嗣續祭祀烝嘗稽顙再拜悚懼恐惶箋牒簡要顧答審詳

The eldest son of the main line inherits the family estate, and the winter and autumn sacrifices are held on time. They bow with foreheads to the ground, kneel again and again, their hearts full of awe and trepidation. Letters and documents should be brief, and answers to questions should be careful and thorough.

骸垢想浴執熱願涼驢驘犢特駭躍超驤誅斬賊盜捕獲叛亡

When the body is dirty, one longs to bathe; when holding something hot, one longs for coolness. Donkeys, mules, calves, and bulls leap and gallop when startled. Execute robbers and bandits, and seize those who rebel or flee.

骸垢想浴執熱願涼驢騾犢特駭躍超驤誅斬賊盜捕獲叛亡

When the body is dirty, one longs to bathe; when holding something hot, one longs for coolness. Donkeys, mules, calves, and bulls leap and gallop when startled. Execute robbers and bandits, and seize those who rebel or flee.

布射僚丸嵇琴阮嘯恬筆倫紙鈞巧任釣釋紛利俗並皆佳妙

Lü Bu was skilled at archery, Yiliao juggled balls, Ji Kang played the zither, and Ruan Ji whistled long; Meng Tian made the brush, Cai Lun made paper, Ma Jun was ingenious in mechanisms, and Lord Ren was skilled at fishing. Whether they settled disputes or benefited the common world, all of them may be called masters of their craft.

布射僚丸嵇琴阮嘯恬筆倫紙鈞巧任釣釋紛利俗竝皆佳妙

Lü Bu was skilled at archery, Yiliao juggled balls, Ji Kang played the zither, and Ruan Ji whistled long; Meng Tian made the brush, Cai Lun made paper, Ma Jun was ingenious in mechanisms, and Lord Ren was skilled at fishing. Whether they settled disputes or benefited the common world, all of them may be called masters of their craft.

毛施淑姿工嚬妍笑年矢每催曦暉朗曜璇璣懸斡晦魄環照

Mao Qiang and Xi Shi were beautiful in appearance; their frowns were charming and their smiles lovely. The years urge us on like arrows, yet the sunlight shines brightly. The Northern Dipper hangs high and turns, and the moon's glow passes from dark to bright, shining in its cycle.

毛施淑姿工顰妍笑年矢每催曦暉朗曜璇璣懸斡晦魄環照

Mao Qiang and Xi Shi were beautiful in appearance; their frowns were charming and their smiles lovely. The years urge us on like arrows, yet the sunlight shines brightly. The Northern Dipper hangs high and turns, and the moon's glow passes from dark to bright, shining in its cycle.

指薪修祜永綏吉劭矩步引領俯仰廊廟束帶矜莊徘徊瞻眺

Cultivate blessings as fire is passed on from one torch to the next, and you will long enjoy good fortune. Let your steps keep to the rules, walk with neck extended and bearing upright, and bow and rise with measure in court. Fasten your sash and hold yourself with dignity, and look about calmly as you pace.

指薪修祜永綏吉劭矩步引領俯仰廊廟束帶矜莊徘徊瞻眺

Cultivate blessings as fire is passed on from one torch to the next, and you will long enjoy good fortune. Let your steps keep to the rules, walk with neck extended and bearing upright, and bow and rise with measure in court. Fasten your sash and hold yourself with dignity, and look about calmly as you pace.

孤陋寡聞愚蒙等誚謂語助者焉哉乎也

Those who are narrow in learning and poorly informed will likewise be mocked as foolish and ignorant. The so-called particles of speech are words such as "yan," "zai," "hu," and "ye."

孤陋寡聞愚蒙等誚謂語助者焉哉乎也

Those who are narrow in learning and poorly informed will likewise be mocked as foolish and ignorant. The so-called particles of speech are words such as "yan," "zai," "hu," and "ye."