Definition
兮 is a classical Chinese modal particle used in poetry and literary prose, typically at the end of a line to create a rhythmic pause or exclamation. It functions similarly to modern 啊 but is now archaic — you'll encounter it in ancient texts like the 楚辞 and in modern poetic or ceremonial language. In pinyin it is always xī.
m.p.
(classical Chinese modal particle) used for exclamation or rhythmic effectsimilar to 'oh' or 'ah'
Examples
- 兮，。Lù mànmàn qí xiū yuǎn xī, wú jiāng shàngxià ér qiú suǒ.The road is long and far — I will search up and down.
- 兮，兮。Dà fēng qǐ xī yún fēiyáng, wēi jiā hǎinèi xī guī gùxiāng.A great wind rises, clouds fly and scatter; my might spreads across the land, I return to my homeland.
- 兮，兮骓。Lì bá shān xī qì gài shì, shí bú lì xī zhuī bú shì.My strength pulled up mountains, my spirit overshadowed the world; but times were against me, and my steed would not go forward.
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