Chinese word

古典

Pronunciation

Pinyingǔ diǎn

Meaning

  • nounclassical music

Example

我喜欢听古典音乐。wǒ xǐ huān tīng gú diǎn yīn yuè

I like listening to classical music.

Illustration for 古典 (classical music)

More examples

古典时期的艺术影响了后来的许多风格。gú diǎn shí qī de yì shù yíng xiǎng le hòu lái de xǔ duō fēng gé

Art from the classical period influenced many later styles.

Core concept

A respected traditional model that sets a lasting standard across the arts.

Common phrases

  • 古典乐曲gú diǎn yuè qǔ

    classical piece

  • 古典时期gú diǎn shí qī

    classical period

  • 古典风格gú diǎn fēng gé

    classical style

Similar words

经典jīng diǎn: A work or text valued across generations and regarded as an exemplary model.
古文gǔ wén: A text written in the language and style of an earlier period.
古籍gǔ jí: An old book or written document valued for its historical importance.

Definition in Chinese

指具有传统规范和典范性的文学、音乐、戏剧等体裁或其代表作品，也可泛指这些领域的经典风格。zhǐ jù yǒu chuán tǒng guī fàn hé diǎn fàn xìng de wén xué yīn yuè xì jù děng tǐ cái huò qí dài biǎo zuò pǐn yě kě fàn zhǐ zhè xiē lǐng yù de jīng diǎn fēng gé

Word origin

古典 (gǔdiǎn, "classical") combines 古 (gǔ, "old") with 典 (diǎn, "canonical text or model"), linking age with an established standard.

Usage tips

  • English speakers often hear "classical" mainly as a music label, but this word also covers recognized traditions in literature and drama, so the surrounding topic identifies the field.

Other meanings

  • classicsnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 古典美学gú diǎn měi xuéclassical aestheticsnoun

Word lists with this word