bát cổ
Definition
- Noun:
- Eight-legged essay: A rigid, formulaic style of classical Chinese essay writing, historically used in imperial civil service examinations in Vietnam and China. It consists of exactly eight sections with strict parallel structure and prescribed content.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Văn bát cổ là một thể loại văn chương khoa cử quan trọng. (The eight-legged essay was an important genre of examination literature.)
- Các sĩ tử ngày xưa phải luyện viết bát cổ để đi thi. (Scholars of the past had to practice writing eight-legged essays to take the exams.)
Advanced Usage
"Văn bát cổ": The full, more common term for the eight-legged essay style.
- Thể văn bát cổ có cấu trúc rất chặt chẽ. (The eight-legged essay style has a very rigid structure.)
"Lối văn bát cổ": Referring to the manner or style of the eight-legged essay.
- Lối văn bát cổ bị chỉ trích là gò bó. (The eight-legged essay style was criticized for being restrictive.)
Variants and Related Words
- Văn khoa cử (n): Examination literature; the corpus of literary works produced for civil service exams.
- Văn sách (n): Policy essay; another genre of examination essay focusing on discussing policies and governance.
Synonyms
- Bài văn theo khuôn mẫu: A formulaic essay.
- Văn thể bát cổ: The eight-legged essay form/style.
Notes on Meaning
- The term "bát cổ" is almost exclusively used in the historical and literary context of pre-modern East Asian civil examinations. It carries a connotation of rigidity, formalism, and an outdated pedagogical tool. In modern usage, it is primarily encountered in historical or academic discussions.