Guwen
/ˈɡuː.wən/noun
A Chinese term for classical written Chinese, especially prose modeled on ancient texts.
Did you know?Guwen became especially important during the Tang and Song periods, when writers promoted an ancient prose style as an alternative to ornate, heavily patterned literary forms.
Etymological Timeline
Old Chinese
Old Chinese
古文
“An early expression meaning “ancient writing” or writing in an old textual style.”
Han Dynasty
Classical Chinese
古文
“Texts written in older script forms or associated with pre-Qin classical traditions, contrasted with newer textual styles.”
Tang Dynasty
Classical Chinese
古文
“A deliberately classical prose style revived by writers seeking models in ancient Confucian texts.”
Song Dynasty
Classical Chinese
古文
“A prestigious literary movement and prose ideal associated with writers such as Han Yu and later Song thinkers.”
Modern period
Mandarin Chinese
gǔwén
“The pinyin romanization of 古文, commonly referring to classical Chinese prose or ancient Chinese writing.”
Modern English
English
guwen
“A specialized English loanword used in sinology and Chinese literary studies for classical Chinese writing or its revival movement.”