Keywords: jingdian, 经典, what does jingdian mean, classic chinese, canonical texts, typical example, chinese word for classic, jīngdiǎn meaning, classic movie in Chinese, classic book
Summary: Learn the meaning of 经典 (jīngdiǎn), a fundamental Chinese word for “classic.” This page explores how jīngdiǎn is used to describe not only timeless books and films but also as an adjective for a “classic” or typical example of something. Discover its cultural roots in canonical texts, understand how it differs from similar words, and see practical examples to master its use in modern conversation.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): jīngdiǎn
Part of Speech: Noun, Adjective
HSK Level: HSK 5
Concise Definition: A work, text, or example that is considered authoritative, classic, or typical.
In a Nutshell:经典 (jīngdiǎn) is the Chinese equivalent of “classic,” but with a deeper resonance. As a noun, it refers to time-tested works of art, literature, or film that have become a standard of excellence. As an adjective, it describes something as being a perfect, quintessential, or “textbook” example. Think of it as something so good or so typical that it sets the standard for everything else.
Character Breakdown
经 (jīng): The original meaning of this character is the vertical “warp” threads in a loom, which are the foundation of a textile. This metaphorically extended to mean “to pass through,” “to manage,” and most importantly, a “classic text” or “scripture” – the foundational principles that run through a system of thought (like Buddhist sutras or Confucian classics).
典 (diǎn): This character refers to a “canon,” “standard,” “law,” or a “ceremonial record.” It implies something that is established, authoritative, and worthy of being recorded and followed.
When combined, 经典 (jīngdiǎn) literally means “classic canons” or “foundational standards.” The term fuses the idea of a timeless, foundational text (经) with an authoritative, standard-setting example (典), creating a powerful word for anything that has withstood the test of time and serves as a benchmark for quality.
Cultural Context and Significance
经典 (jīngdiǎn) is deeply rooted in China's long literary and philosophical history. Its primary cultural association is with the foundational texts of Chinese civilization, especially the Confucian “Four Books and Five Classics” (四书五经, Sì Shū Wǔ Jīng). These texts were not just literature; they were the jīngdiǎn that formed the basis of education, ethics, and governance for centuries.
Comparison to “Classic”: In English, calling a book or film a “classic” means it is of high artistic merit and has lasting value. The Chinese term jīngdiǎn includes this but adds a layer of being “canonical” or “foundational.” A jīngdiǎn isn't just great; it's a work that establishes a genre, defines a style, or contains a lesson or truth that is considered a guiding principle. For instance, Shakespeare's works are “classics” in the West. In China, the novel *Journey to the West* (西游记) is a jīngdiǎn—not just a great story, but a cultural touchstone that has shaped language, art, and even modern film.
Practical Usage in Modern China
As a Noun (a classic work): This is the most common usage. It refers to a specific work that is considered a classic.
e.g., “This movie is a classic.” (这部电影是经典。)
e.g., “I love reading literary classics.” (我喜欢读文学经典。)
As an Adjective (classic, typical, quintessential): Used to describe an action, a situation, or a style as being a perfect or “textbook” example.
e.g., “That's a classic mistake.” (这是一个经典的错误。)
e.g., “His speech was a classic example of political rhetoric.” (他的演讲是政治辞令的经典范例。)
As an Exclamation (informal): In conversation, you can exclaim “太经典了！” (Tài jīngdiǎn le!) to mean “That's so classic!” or “Perfect!” It's often used to react to a witty remark, a predictable-yet-funny situation, or a perfect execution of something.
English: “I'll be back!” is the classic line of the cartoon character Wolffy.
Analysis: 经典 is used as an adjective here, modifying “line” (台词, táicí). It means it's the character's signature, most famous line.
Example 4:
他迟到的理由总是那么几句，真是经典！
Pinyin: Tā chídào de lǐyóu zǒngshì nàme jǐ jù, zhēnshi jīngdiǎn!
English: His reasons for being late are always the same few phrases, it's truly classic!
Analysis: This is a slightly sarcastic, informal use. It implies the excuses are so predictable and unoriginal that they've become a “classic” example of a bad excuse.
English: We should revisit the classics and learn from the wisdom of the ancients.
Analysis: 经典 is used as a noun here in its most formal and profound sense, referring to canonical works of philosophy and literature.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
经典 (jīngdiǎn) vs. 古典 (gǔdiǎn): This is a critical distinction for learners.
经典 (jīngdiǎn) refers to the quality and status of a work. It is timeless and serves as a benchmark. A modern movie from 2010 can be a 经典.
古典 (gǔdiǎn) refers to a historical period or style. It means “classical” in the sense of a bygone era, like 古典音乐 (classical music - e.g., Mozart, Beethoven) or 古典文学 (classical literature - as a historical genre).
Mistake: Saying “I like listening to jīngdiǎn music” (我喜欢听经典音乐) is ambiguous. It could mean “I like listening to classic songs (from any era),” but if you mean “classical music” like Bach, you must say 古典音乐 (gǔdiǎn yīnyuè).
Related Terms and Concepts
古典 (gǔdiǎn) - Classical. Refers to a historical style or era (e.g., classical music, classical architecture).
名著 (míngzhù) - A famous literary work. More specific than 经典 as it usually refers only to well-known novels or books.
杰作 (jiézuò) - A masterpiece. This emphasizes the supreme artistic achievement of a single work, whereas 经典 emphasizes its lasting influence and status.
代表作 (dàibiǎozuò) - A representative work. The single work that best represents an artist's or director's style and career. A 代表作 is often, but not always, a 经典.
传统 (chuántǒng) - Tradition; traditional. Describes customs, values, and practices passed down through generations, rather than a specific work.
范例 (fànlì) - A model example, a paradigm. Similar to the adjectival use of 经典, but more formal and often used in academic or technical contexts.
权威 (quánwēi) - Authority; authoritative. A quality that 经典 works possess. They are considered authoritative sources or examples.
著作 (zhùzuò) - A work, a book (often a significant one). A more general term for a written work. A 经典 is a type of 著作.