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古典 (gǔ diǎn) — classical

Definition

Used to describe traditional styles of art, music, or literature, especially from the past. More focused on historical/traditional style than 经典, which emphasizes being a model or highest standard.

adjective
classical

Examples

  • 古典，。
    Tā fēi cháng xǐ huan gǔ diǎn yīn yuè, yóu qí shì bèi duō fēn de zuò pǐn.
    He really likes classical music, especially Beethoven's works.
  • 古典，。
    Zhè zuò jiàn zhù shì gǔ diǎn fēng gé de, xī yǐn le hěn duō yóu kè.
    This building is in a classical style and attracts many tourists.
  • 。
    Lǎo shī ràng wǒ men dú le yì piān gǔ diǎn wén xué zuò pǐn.
    The teacher had us read a classical literary work.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
偏正piānzhèngModifier + head

The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.

古gǔancient
典diǎnclassics

古典 joins 古 'ancient' and 典 'classics' to evoke classical style.

Characters in this word

An abstract idea shown by a mark or a diagram rather than by a picture of an object.

One reading of 古 sees a shield-like shape above an open mark, showing strength and firmness. Another sees a person spitting out bad-tasting food.

Open 古 →

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 →
Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 6HSK 2.0 Level 5Art & Fine ArtsHistory

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