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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'poem' or 'poetry' with 诗 (shī)

    Topic & Focus

    Explanation

    The noun 诗 (shī) means 'poem,' 'poetry,' or 'verse.' It is one of the foundational literary forms in Chinese culture, encompassing classical forms like 律诗 (regulated verse) and modern poetry. The compound 七步诗 refers to the famous 'Seven-Step Poem' from the Three Kingdoms period.

    Examples

    • 他从小就喜欢写诗。

      tā cóngxiǎo jiù xǐhuān xiě shī.

      He has liked writing poetry since he was little.

    • 这首诗写得真美，你读过吗？

      zhè shǒu shī xiě de zhēn měi, nǐ dú guò ma?

      This poem is written so beautifully — have you read it?

    • 唐代是中国古诗发展的高峰。

      tángdài shì zhōngguó gǔshī fāzhǎn de gāofēng.

      The Tang Dynasty was the peak of classical Chinese poetry.

    Expressing 'poem' or 'poetry' with 诗 (shī) | Chinese Grammar