Meaning of 经典
Definitions from CC-CEDICT.
- the classics
- scriptures
- classical
- classic (example, case etc)
- typical
How to use 经典
经典 can be a noun meaning the classics or scriptures, and it is also often used like an adjective for something classic or typical, such as a classic film, song, or case. Example: 这是一部经典电影。(Zhè shì yí bù jīngdiǎn diànyǐng.) This is a classic movie.
经 (jīng) is the thread that runs through something, and 典 (diǎn) is a standard book, as in 字典 (zìdiǎn) and 词典 (cídiǎn). A 经典 is a book or work that runs through the ages and becomes the standard everyone refers back to.
Common mistake: Learners sometimes write 典 with the wrong top part or confuse it with 曲 (qǔ), but 典 has two extra bottom strokes below the box. Also, 经典 means classic or timeless, so do not use it for something merely old-fashioned. Use 古老 (gǔlǎo) or 传统 (chuántǒng) for that.
经典 in example sentences
Real sentences from the Tatoeba project, with pinyin and English.
Stroke order for each character
Open a character for its meaning, components and more words.
经 jīng · classics · 8 strokes
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典 diǎn · law · 8 strokes
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Related words
Words that share a character with 经典.
| 已经 | yǐjīng | already |
| 经常 | jīngcháng | frequently; constantly; regularly; often; day-to-day; everyday; daily |
| 经过 | jīngguò | to pass; to go through |
| 经理 | jīnglǐ | manager; director |
| 字典 | zìdiǎn | Chinese character dictionary (containing entries for single characters, contrasted with a |
| 词典 | cídiǎn | dictionary |
| 曾经 | céngjīng | once; already |
| 经历 | jīnglì | to experience; to go through; experience (CL:段[duan4],次[ci4]) |
| 经验 | jīngyàn | experience; to go through; to experience |
| 经济 | jīngjì | economy; economic |
| 经营 | jīngyíng | to engage in (business etc); to run; to operate |
| 典型 | diǎnxíng | model; typical case |
Questions about 经典
What does 经典 mean?
经典 (jīngdiǎn) means "the classics; scriptures" and is used as a noun.
How do you write 经典?
经典 is made of 2 characters: 经 (8 strokes), 典 (8 strokes). That is 16 strokes in total.
Is 经典 an HSK word?
Yes. 经典 is on the HSK 4 vocabulary list of the HSK 3.0 standard.
How is 经典 written in traditional Chinese?
In traditional characters, 经典 is written 經典.
Can 经典 describe a typical example, not just famous art?
Yes. Phrases like 经典案例 (jīngdiǎn ànlì) mean a classic or textbook case, used in business, law, and teaching to show a typical example.
Do people use 经典 casually in everyday speech?
Yes. People say 太经典了 (tài jīngdiǎn le) about a memorable line, joke, or moment, meaning it is iconic or unforgettable.