The Meanings of the Commonly Used Characters "Chang暢" "Cao操" "Yin3引" "Yin2吟" "Nong弄" and "Diao調" in Guqin Melody Names （"暢"、"操"、"引"、"吟"、"弄"、"調" 古琴曲名中常見字的含義）

​by Jing Guan 作者：静观

無音老師手寫《靜觀吟》曲譜 Master Wuyin handwrites the score for Jingguan Yin

傳統古琴曲的名稱中很多都帶有特定的字，如"暢"、"操"、"引"、"吟"、"弄"、"調"。這些特定的字一般來說代表著這首琴曲有一定的曲意基調（也有例外情況）。這些字具體的含義如下：

In the names of traditional guqin pieces, many contain specific characters such as "暢" (Chang), "操" (Cao), "引" (Yin3), "吟" (Yin2), "弄" (Nong), and "調" (Diao). These specific characters generally indicate that the piece has a particular tonal theme or intent (although there are exceptions). The specific meanings of these characters are as follows:

暢則和，操則立操，引者引說其事，吟者吟咏其事，弄則習弄之，調則調理之。

——《五禮通考》 【秦蕙田】（清，公元1644-1912）

When one creates with ease, it is called Chang (fluent and harmonious); when one creates with discipline, it is called Cao (rigorous and upright). The one who guides (Yin3) explains the matter; the one who chants (Yin2) recites the matter; the one who plays (Nong) practices the play; the one who adjusts (Diao) fine-tunes the matter.

—— The Comprehensive Examination of Five Rites by Qin Huitian (Qing Dynasty, 1644-1912)

“神人暢” Shenren Chang

和樂而作，命之曰暢，言達則兼濟天下，而美暢其道也。

憂愁而作，命之曰操，言窮則獨善其身，而不失其操也。

引者，進德修業，申達之名也；

弄者，情性和暢，寬泰之名也。

——《樂府詩集》 【郭茂倩】（宋，公元960-1279）

Creating with harmony and ease is called Chang, when one achieves eloquence, one benefits the world, and the way is made beautiful through its flow.

Creating in sorrow is called Cao, where when faced with adversity, one maintains personal integrity without losing one’s discipline.

The guide (Yin3) advances in virtue and studies, establishing a reputation.

The player (Nong) enjoys a harmonious nature and embodies openness.

—— Yuefu Poetry Collection by Guo Maoqian (Song Dynasty, 960-1279)

靜淵撫《神人暢》 Jingyuan plays Shenren Chang