Our First Chinese Lesson

Our first Chinese lesson is this Chinese poem by the poet Wang Wei(王维） in the Tang Dynasty. The poem is about Wang Wei who is sending his good friend Yuan'er (元二）off. His good friend is going to Xi'an(西安）to be an official. Let me try to do a translation of the poem. Wang Wei sent his friend off at this place called Weicheng (渭城）. 

《送元二使安西》王维

渭城朝雨邑轻尘， 客舍青青柳色新。

劝居更尽一杯酒， 西出阳关无古人。

First line: The morning rain has just moisturised the soil of Weicheng.

Second line: The willow trees have just begun to turn green outside the hotel.

Third line: Let me toast my friend another cup of wine.

Fourth line: When you leave the West gate, I will miss a very old friend.

This poem is usually read to a friend who is leaving to show that you will miss him very much. I find the poem meaningful and the words beautifully written. It was so touching to hear the Chinese teacher recite with some background music. I could feel poet's emotions and his sense of loss because of his friend's departure. You can listen to the recital here.