What was the difference between classical Chinese and vernacular Chinese?

2024-09-20 14:25

The classical Chinese and the vernacular Chinese are two different ways of expressing themselves. There are great differences in language, grammar, vocabulary, and meaning. In terms of language, classical Chinese was an ancient Chinese expression used in ancient China, mainly in poetry, letters, contracts, and other fields. The grammar structure of classical Chinese was more complicated, including the changes in word class, grammar, word order, etc. There were also many unique vocabulary and expressions such as "empty words in classical Chinese" and "flexible use of word class in classical Chinese". The vernacular was a form of modern Chinese used in modern China, mainly in novels, movies, television dramas, and other literary works. The grammar structure of vernacular Chinese was relatively simple, including the basic elements such as subject, verb, object, etc. There were also many commonly used words and expressions. In terms of grammar, the structure of classical Chinese was more complicated, including changes in word class, grammar, word order, etc. The basic elements of vernacular Chinese, on the other hand, were simpler, including subject, verb, object, and so on. In terms of vocabulary, the vocabulary of classical Chinese was relatively rich. There were many unique vocabulary and expressions, such as "empty words in classical Chinese","flexible use of parts of speech in classical Chinese", etc. On the other hand, the vocabulary of the vernacular was more concise, with many commonly used words and expressions. In terms of meaning, the meaning of classical Chinese was more profound. Many sentences contained many deep meanings. On the other hand, the meaning of vernacular Chinese was more superficial and usually only expressed the most basic meaning. There are great differences between classical Chinese and vernacular Chinese in terms of language, grammar, vocabulary and semantics. Therefore, reading classical Chinese requires a certain reading ability, while reading vernacular Chinese is relatively easy.