经典之作 (jīng diǎn zhī zuò) — a classic work, a masterpiece

Definition

An idiomatic label for a work hailed as a 'classic' or 'masterpiece' — emphasizes lasting, recognized excellence in its field (literature, film, art). 经典 alone is the adjective/noun 'classic'; adding 之作 pins that judgment to a specific work.

idiom
a classic worka masterpiece

Examples

  • 经典之作。
    Shā shì bǐ yà de xì jù shì wén xué shǐ shàng de jīng diǎn zhī zuò.
    Shakespeare's plays are classics in literary history.
  • 经典之作。
    Zhè bù diàn yǐng bèi rèn wéi shì diàn yǐng jiè de jīng diǎn zhī zuò.
    This film is considered a classic in the film industry.
  • 经典之作。
    Zhè fú huà shì guó huà de jīng diǎn zhī zuò.
    This painting is a masterpiece of Chinese painting.

Origin

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 經; 经 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
糹Written in full as糸mìsilk; thread
Sound part声符shēngfú
巠
巠jīng經jīng
Same sound today

The traditional form 經 combines 糹 (silk; thread) with 巠, which gives the sound.

Open 经 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

  • 冊冊cèbooks
  • 丌丌qítable

典 puts 冊 (books) on a 丌 (table), showing official books resting on a table.

Open 典 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

The shape pairs 止, a foot, with 一, a beginning place, and means to go.

Open 之 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
亻Written in full as人rénperson
Sound part声符shēngfú
乍
乍zhà作zuò
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

The left side 亻 comes from 人, meaning 'person', and the right side 乍 gives the sound.

Open 作 →

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