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| 杰作 [2025/08/13 13:21] – created xiaoer | 杰作 [Unknown date] (current) – removed - external edit (Unknown date) 127.0.0.1 |
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| ====== jiézuò: 杰作 - Masterpiece, Magnum Opus ====== | |
| ===== Quick Summary ===== | |
| * **Keywords:** 杰作, jiezuo, jiézuò, masterpiece in Chinese, magnum opus, great work, classic work, Chinese word for masterpiece, how to say masterpiece in Chinese, HSK 6 vocabulary. | |
| * **Summary:** "杰作 (jiézuò)" is the Chinese word for a masterpiece or magnum opus. It is a powerful term used to describe an outstanding work of art, literature, music, or any creation of exceptional skill and genius. Learning "杰作" is essential for anyone wanting to discuss classic films, famous paintings, or significant cultural achievements in Chinese, as it conveys a high degree of admiration and respect. | |
| ===== Core Meaning ===== | |
| * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** jiézuò | |
| * **Part of Speech:** Noun | |
| * **HSK Level:** HSK 6 | |
| * **Concise Definition:** An outstanding work of art, literature, or craftsmanship; a masterpiece. | |
| * **In a Nutshell:** Think of the highest praise you can give to a creative work. That's "杰作". It's not just "good" or "well-done"; it's a work that is considered the pinnacle of achievement for its creator or in its genre. It implies genius, timelessness, and profound impact. | |
| ===== Character Breakdown ===== | |
| * **杰 (jié):** This character means "outstanding," "heroic," or "prominent." It's often associated with heroes (英雄 yīngxióng) or exceptionally talented people. Visually, you can see the character for person (人) at the bottom, with strokes on top suggesting someone who stands out from the crowd. | |
| * **作 (zuò):** This character means "to make," "to do," or a "work/composition." It's fundamental to the idea of creation and is found in words like "author" (作者 zuòzhě) and "homework" (作业 zuòyè). | |
| Putting them together, 杰作 (jiézuò) literally translates to "outstanding work," which perfectly captures the meaning of "masterpiece." | |
| ===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== | |
| In Chinese culture, there is a deep and historical appreciation for mastery (功夫 gōngfu) and skill, honed over years of dedicated practice. This applies to everything from calligraphy and painting to martial arts and cuisine. The term "杰作" taps directly into this cultural value. Calling something a "杰作" is not just a casual compliment; it's a formal recognition of the creator's immense dedication, talent, and contribution. | |
| While "masterpiece" in English can sometimes be used hyperbolically (e.g., "This burger is a masterpiece!"), "杰作" is generally reserved for more formal and significant contexts. Using it to describe a simple, everyday item would sound overly dramatic or sarcastic. A Western learner should think of "杰作" as being closer in tone to "magnum opus"—a term reserved for the greatest work of an artist's career. It reflects a cultural reverence for creations that have achieved a timeless and classic status. | |
| ===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== | |
| * **Formal Arts and Academia:** This is the most common context. You will see and hear "杰作" in museums, art galleries, book reviews, film critiques, and academic papers to describe works of great importance. | |
| * **High-End Marketing:** Luxury brands or companies launching a flagship product might use "杰作" in their marketing to imply superior craftsmanship and design. For example, a new high-end car might be described as a "杰作 of engineering." | |
| * **Hyperbolic Praise (Less Common):** In conversation among friends, you might hear it used humorously to give exaggerated praise for something exceptionally well done, like a friend's incredibly elaborate home-cooked meal or a perfectly planned trip itinerary. However, this is a playful use and not its primary meaning. | |
| The connotation is always highly positive, and the tone is generally formal and respectful. | |
| ===== Example Sentences ===== | |
| * **Example 1:** | |
| * 《蒙娜丽莎》被公认为达芬奇的**杰作**。 | |
| * Pinyin: "Méngnà Lìshā" bèi gōngrèn wéi Dáfēnqí de **jiézuò**. | |
| * English: "The Mona Lisa" is universally recognized as Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece. | |
| * Analysis: A classic example of using **杰作** to refer to a world-famous work of art. The structure "被公认为 (bèi gōngrèn wéi)" means "is publicly recognized as." | |
| * **Example 2:** | |
| * 这部电影是导演生涯中的一部不朽**杰作**。 | |
| * Pinyin: Zhè bù diànyǐng shì dǎoyǎn shēngyá zhōng de yí bù bùxiǔ **jiézuò**. | |
| * English: This film is an immortal masterpiece in the director's career. | |
| * Analysis: The adjective "不朽 (bùxiǔ - immortal, timeless)" is often used to modify **杰作**, emphasizing its lasting impact. | |
| * **Example | |