Classical Chinese Primer
 Dictionary

These pages list all characters occurring in the Lessons of the present abortive Primer, and several others as well. The result is something better than a Glossary, but still less than a Dictionary properly speaking. Included in the entries are grammar and meaning tags, and in some cases a reference to writing instructions in Björkstén (coded as B plus a page number). Other abbreviations are: D "Determinative" and P "Pulleyblank" (Outline). For general advice on writing and character structure, see the Characters page.

The Dictionary is divided into 28 files, corresponding to the 20 possible initials in the Common Alphabetic romanization, with further divisions at points such as S- / SH- / SY- in letter S. Arrangement is alphabetical by romanization. The codes distinguishing homophones (as jr4, jr4a, jr4b, all pronounced jr4) are sometimes used for reference within the Dictionary and in the Lessons. No pronunciation difference is implied.

A B CH CHY D DZ F G H J JY K L M N O P R S SH SY T TS TY V W Y YW

Hints of earlier pronunciations are given in the bracketed initial and/or final sounds at the very end of some entries. These are generally based on the Chye Ywn Jr-jang Tu, or CJT, of 1083. See our separate table of initial-consonant Equivalents for CJT, and the Historical Pronunciation page.

 

Classical Chinese Primer is Copyright © 2000-2004 by E Bruce and A Taeko Brooks

Comments to The Project / Exit to Classical Primer Page