Literary Chinese

proper noun

The written Chinese language used from the end of the Han Dynasty (220 C.E.) to the early 20th century. In Chinese, 文言 (wényán, “literary writing”).

Similar
Classical Chinese
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Meanings

proper noun
  1. The written Chinese language used from the end of the Han Dynasty (220 C.E.) to the early 20th century. In Chinese, 文言 (wényán, “literary writing”).
  2. The written Chinese language used from the Zhou Dynasty (1045 B.C.E.) (especially the Spring and Autumn Period), through to the end of the Han Dynasty (220 C.E.). In Chinese, 古文 (gǔwén, “Ancient Writing”). The language of many classics of Chinese literature.
  3. Written Chinese for this entire period, without distinction.

Synonyms & antonyms

Similar
Classical Chinese
Also see
classical chinese
Cite this entry
APA

Literary Chinese. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Literary%20Chinese

MLA

“Literary Chinese.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Literary%20Chinese. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Literary Chinese,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Literary%20Chinese.

Source: Literary Chinese on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.