Tào Thực

Definition

1. Proper Noun:
   • Cao Zhi (192–232 AD): A famous Chinese poet of the late Eastern Han dynasty and Three Kingdoms period. He was the third son of the powerful warlord Cao Cao and a younger brother of Cao Pi, the first emperor of the state of Cao Wei. He is renowned for his literary talent and his poems, which often express themes of unfulfilled ambition and sorrow.

Usage Examples

• Proper Noun:
  • Thơ của Tào Thực được đánh giá rất cao trong văn học cổ điển Trung Quốc. (The poetry of Cao Zhi is highly regarded in classical Chinese literature.)
  • Tào Thực là một nhân vật bi thảm, tài hoa nhưng không được trọng dụng. (Cao Zhi was a tragic figure, talented but never entrusted with significant power.)

Advanced Usage

• "Tài của Tào Thực": This phrase is used to refer to exceptional literary or poetic genius, alluding to Cao Zhi's legendary talent.
  • Anh ấy viết văn hay như có tài của Tào Thực vậy. (He writes so well, as if he possessed the talent of Cao Zhi.)

Historical and Cultural Context

• Cao Zhi is a central figure in Chinese literary history. His most famous legend involves his brother, Emperor Cao Pi, ordering him to compose a poem within the time it took to walk seven steps, leading to the well-known "Seven-Step Poem." This story symbolizes fraternal conflict and the pressure of imperial power on artistic expression.
• He is traditionally grouped with his father Cao Cao and his brother Cao Pi as one of the "Three Caos" who were foundational figures in Jian'an poetry.

Synonyms

• Cao Zijian: His courtesy name, often used interchangeably.
• The Prince of Chen: His noble title.

Related Idioms and Allusions

• "Thất bộ thành thi" / "Seven Steps to Verse": An idiom originating from the legend about Cao Zhi, meaning to exhibit quick-wittedness or the ability to produce brilliant work under extreme pressure.
• "Tài cao tám đấu" / "Talent of Eight Dou": An idiom referring to immense talent, historically associated with a remark about Cao Zhi's genius.