sū shì: 苏轼 - Su Shi, Su Dongpo

• Keywords: Su Shi, Su Dongpo, Chinese poet, Song Dynasty, Chinese literature, Red Cliff, Chinese calligraphy, Chinese painting, Dongpo pork, sū shì, 苏轼, 苏东坡, Song dynasty poet, Chinese culture, wenren, scholar-official
• Summary: Discover Su Shi (苏轼), also known as Su Dongpo, one of the most revered figures in Chinese history. A master poet, calligrapher, statesman, and gourmand of the Song Dynasty (960-1279), Su Shi is China's quintessential “Renaissance Man.” This page explores his incredible life, his most famous works, his enduring cultural legacy, and why his optimistic and resilient spirit continues to inspire people in modern China and beyond.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): sū shì
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun
• HSK Level: N/A
• Concise Definition: Su Shi (1037–1101) was a preeminent Chinese scholar-official, poet, writer, calligrapher, and painter of the Song Dynasty.
• In a Nutshell: “Su Shi” is not just a name; it represents a towering figure in Chinese culture, comparable to Leonardo da Vinci or Shakespeare in the West. He embodies literary genius, artistic brilliance, a deep appreciation for the joys of life (especially food!), and a philosophical resilience in the face of political persecution. His life of great achievements and profound hardships has made him one of the most beloved and relatable historical figures in all of China.

• 苏 (sū): Originally referring to a type of herb (perilla), it is now a common Chinese surname. Here, it is simply his family name.
• 轼 (shì): A classical character meaning the crossbar on the front of a chariot, which a passenger could lean on for support. This was his given name.

Together, the characters form his birth name. However, he is arguably more famous by his “style name” or hao (号), 苏东坡 (Sū Dōngpō), which means “Resident of the Eastern Slope.” He adopted this name during a period of political exile when he lived and farmed on a piece of land he called the “Eastern Slope.”

Su Shi is the epitome of the Chinese ideal of the 文人 (wénrén), or the scholar-official. This concept, central to imperial China, held that the ideal person was not just a government administrator but also a cultivated artist, poet, and philosopher. Su Shi fulfilled this ideal more completely than perhaps anyone else. A useful comparison in Western culture would be a figure like Thomas Jefferson or Leonardo da Vinci. Like Jefferson, Su Shi was a statesman, an intellectual, and a man of wide-ranging tastes. Like da Vinci, he was a polymath who achieved mastery in multiple artistic fields. However, the comparison is not perfect. Su Shi's life was defined by the Confucian duty to serve the state, but his art and philosophy were deeply infused with Daoist principles of finding harmony in nature and Buddhist ideas of detachment, especially during his periods of exile. His significance lies in his humanity. Despite his genius, his writings reveal a man who suffered immense political setbacks, missed his family deeply, and found solace in simple pleasures like a good meal, a walk in nature, or a drink with friends. This combination of extraordinary talent and relatable human emotion is the key to his enduring legacy. He showed that one could face immense hardship with grace, humor, and unwavering optimism.

As a historical figure, Su Shi is “used” by being constantly referenced in modern life. His influence is everywhere.

• In Education: His poems, such as “Prelude to the Water Tune” (水调歌头) and “The Red Cliff Rhapsodies” (赤壁赋), are mandatory reading and memorization for all Chinese students. He is a cornerstone of the Chinese literary curriculum.
• In Popular Culture: His life has been the subject of numerous TV dramas, documentaries, and books. His persona as a witty, life-loving genius is a popular archetype.
• In Gastronomy: The famous braised pork belly dish, 东坡肉 (Dōngpō ròu), is named after him and is a staple in restaurants across China. This connects him directly to everyday life and the culinary arts.
• As a Symbol of Resilience: People might reference Su Shi's spirit when encouraging a friend facing a setback, reminding them to maintain a broad-minded and optimistic perspective (豁达, huòdá). Quoting his poetry is often seen as a mark of a good education and refined taste.

• Example 1:
  • 我最喜欢的中国诗人是苏轼。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ zuì xǐhuān de Zhōngguó shīrén shì Sū Shì.
  • English: My favorite Chinese poet is Su Shi.
  • Analysis: A simple, direct sentence you might use when discussing literature with a Chinese friend.
• Example 2:
  • “但愿人长久，千里共婵娟”是苏轼写的千古名句。
  • Pinyin: “Dàn yuàn rén cháng jiǔ, qiān lǐ gòng chán juān” shì Sū Shì xiě de qiāngǔ míngjù.
  • English: “May we all be blessed with longevity, though thousands of miles apart, we are still able to share the beauty of the moon together” is a timeless, famous line written by Su Shi.
  • Analysis: This quotes his most famous line, often used during the Mid-Autumn Festival to express wishes to loved ones far away. Knowing this line is a huge cultural plus.
• Example 3:
  • 这家餐厅的东坡肉做得非常地道，难怪跟苏轼有关系。
  • Pinyin: Zhè jiā cāntīng de Dōngpō ròu zuò de fēicháng dìdào, nánguài gēn Sū Shì yǒu guānxì.
  • English: This restaurant's Dongpo Pork is very authentic; no wonder it's related to Su Shi.
  • Analysis: This shows how his legacy is connected to modern life through food. Note the use of his more famous name “Dongpo” in the dish's name.
• Example 4:
  • 苏轼的《赤壁赋》不仅是文学杰作，也是哲学思考的典范。
  • Pinyin: Sū Shì de “Chìbì Fù” bùjǐn shì wénxué jiézuò, yěshì zhéxué sīkǎo de diǎnfàn.
  • English: Su Shi's “Red Cliff Rhapsody” is not only a literary masterpiece but also a model of philosophical thinking.
  • Analysis: This sentence discusses one of his specific, famous works, showing a deeper level of knowledge.
• Example 5:
  • 很多人敬佩苏轼，因为他虽然屡遭贬谪，但心态一直很豁达。
  • Pinyin: Hěn duō rén jìngpèi Sū Shì, yīnwèi tā suīrán lǚ zāo biǎnzhé, dàn xīntài yīzhí hěn huòdá.
  • English: Many people admire Su Shi because although he was repeatedly exiled, his mindset always remained open and optimistic.
  • Analysis: This sentence gets to the core of why he is so beloved: his resilient and philosophical spirit.
• Example 6:
  • 他的书法风格被后人称为“苏体”，对中国书法史影响深远。
  • Pinyin: Tā de shūfǎ fēnggé bèi hòurén chēngwéi “Sū tǐ”, duì Zhōngguó shūfǎ shǐ yǐngxiǎng shēnyuǎn.
  • English: His calligraphy style was later called the “Su style” by posterity and has had a profound influence on the history of Chinese calligraphy.
  • Analysis: This highlights his mastery in another field, calligraphy. Note that 苏轼 (Sū Shì) is replaced by “他 (tā)” as the subject is already clear.
• Example 7:
  • 如果你想了解宋代文化，研究苏轼是一个很好的切入点。
  • Pinyin: Rúguǒ nǐ xiǎng liǎojiě Sòngdài wénhuà, yánjiū Sū Shì shì yīgè hěn hǎo de qiērùdiǎn.
  • English: If you want to understand Song Dynasty culture, studying Su Shi is a very good entry point.
  • Analysis: This sentence positions him as a central figure for understanding an entire historical era.
• Example 8:
  • 苏轼和他的弟弟苏辙的兄弟情谊也被传为佳话。
  • Pinyin: Sū Shì hé tā de dìdi Sū Chè de xiōngdì qíngyì yě bèi chuán wéi jiāhuà.
  • English: The brotherly affection between Su Shi and his younger brother Su Che is also told as a celebrated story.
  • Analysis: This provides more biographical context, touching on his famous and deep relationship with his brother.
• Example 9:
  • 尽管在政治上与王安石是对手，苏轼在个人层面上依然尊重他。
  • Pinyin: Jǐnguǎn zài zhèngzhì shàng yǔ Wáng Ānshí shì duìshǒu, Sū Shì zài gèrén céngmiàn shàng yīrán zūnzhòng tā.
  • English: Although he was a political rival of Wang Anshi, Su Shi still respected him on a personal level.
  • Analysis: This illustrates the complexity of his life as a statesman and provides context about his political career.
• Example 10:
  • 我们去杭州旅游时，一定要去看看苏堤，那是苏轼修建的。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen qù Hángzhōu lǚyóu shí, yīdìng yào qù kànkan Sū dī, nà shì Sū Shì xiūjiàn de.
  • English: When we travel to Hangzhou, we must go see the Su Causeway; it was built by Su Shi.
  • Analysis: This shows his tangible legacy in modern China, where famous landmarks are still associated with him.

• Su Shi vs. Su Dongpo: This is the most common point of confusion.
  • 苏轼 (Sū Shì): His official birth name. Use this in more formal or academic contexts.
  • 苏东坡 (Sū Dōngpō): His most famous literary name or “hao.” It carries a more intimate, artistic, and legendary connotation. In casual conversation, Chinese people often use “Su Dongpo” because it evokes his persona as a poet and gourmand.
  • The key takeaway: They are the same person. Using either is generally fine, but knowing the difference shows a deeper understanding.
• “He was just a poet”: A major oversimplification. This is a common mistake for learners who are only introduced to his poetry. It's crucial to remember he was also one of the most powerful government officials of his time, a leading essayist, a master calligrapher, and a significant painter. Calling him “just a poet” is like calling Leonardo da Vinci “just a painter.”
• Pronunciation: Pay attention to the tones: `sū` (first tone, high and flat) and `shì` (fourth tone, sharp and falling). Incorrect tones could make the name unrecognizable. For example, `sù shí` (速食) means “fast food.”

• 苏东坡 (sū dōngpō) - His most famous courtesy name, often used interchangeably with Su Shi but with a more artistic and personal flavor.
• 宋代 (sòng dài) - The Song Dynasty (960-1279), the historical era in which Su Shi lived, known for its economic prosperity and cultural achievements.
• 词 (cí) - A form of lyric poetry that was popular in the Song Dynasty. Su Shi is considered one of the greatest masters of the ci form.
• 文人 (wénrén) - The “literati” or scholar-official; the cultural ideal of a person skilled in both governance and the arts, which Su Shi perfectly embodies.
• 书法 (shūfǎ) - Chinese calligraphy. Su Shi is one of the four great masters of calligraphy from the Song Dynasty.
• 东坡肉 (dōngpō ròu) - “Dongpo Pork,” a famous braised pork belly dish said to have been invented or perfected by him.
• 赤壁赋 (chì bì fù) - “The Red Cliff Rhapsodies,” two of his most famous prose poems, reflecting on history, nature, and the human condition.
• 王安石 (wáng ānshí) - A prominent reformer and Su Shi's chief political rival, whose “New Policies” Su Shi opposed.
• 但愿人长久，千里共婵娟 (dàn yuàn rén cháng jiǔ, qiān lǐ gòng chán juān) - “May we live long and share the beauty of the moon, though we are a thousand miles apart.” A famous line from his poetry that has become a cultural touchstone.