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Chinese Poems About Farewell and Distance

Farewell poetry does not treat distance as one emotion. It can carry grief, confidence, loyalty, blessing, or a promise that separation will not end the bond.

Goodbye and good luck True love survives distance We are far apart but still connected

Original lines

Read the Chinese, meaning, and source together

6 curated lines

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海上生明月，天涯共此时。

Hǎi shàng shēng míng yuè, tiān yá gòng cǐ shí.

Close English reading

A bright moon rises over the sea; at the ends of the earth, we share this moment.

Plain meaningThough far apart, we are connected beneath the same moon.

Source

Zhang Jiuling· Tang dynasty · Gazing at the Moon and Thinking of Someone Far Away

Complete Tang Poems

Why it fitsThe moon creates a shared present for people separated by great distance.

Original context and translation note

海上生明月，天涯共此时。情人怨遥夜，竟夕起相思。

English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.

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孤帆远影碧空尽，唯见长江天际流。

Gū fān yuǎn yǐng bì kōng jìn, wéi jiàn Cháng Jiāng tiān jì liú.

Close English reading

The distant shadow of the lone sail disappears into the blue sky; only the Yangtze remains, flowing to the horizon.

Plain meaningI keep watching long after my friend has sailed away.

Source

Li Bai· Tang dynasty · Seeing Meng Haoran Off to Guangling from Yellow Crane Tower

Complete Tang Poems

Why it fitsThe speaker's sustained gaze makes farewell visible through the shrinking sail and the river that remains.

Original context and translation note

故人西辞黄鹤楼，烟花三月下扬州。孤帆远影碧空尽，唯见长江天际流。

English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.

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但愿人长久，千里共婵娟。

Dàn yuàn rén cháng jiǔ, qiān lǐ gòng chán juān.

Close English reading

May we both live long; though a thousand miles apart, we share the beauty of the moon.

Plain meaningEven far apart, may we be safe and connected under the same moon.

Source

Su Shi· Northern Song dynasty · Prelude to Water Melody: When Will the Moon Be Clear and Bright?

Dongpo Yuefu

Why it fitsThe shared moon becomes a bond between people who cannot physically reunite.

Original context and translation note

但愿人长久，千里共婵娟。

English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.

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两情若是久长时，又岂在朝朝暮暮。

Liǎng qíng ruò shì jiǔ cháng shí, yòu qǐ zài zhāo zhāo mù mù.

Close English reading

If two hearts are meant to last, why must they be together morning and evening?

Plain meaningTrue love can endure distance and time apart.

Source

Qin Guan· Northern Song dynasty · Immortal at the Magpie Bridge

Huaihai Ci

Why it fitsIt argues that lasting affection is not measured only by constant physical presence.

Original context and translation note

金风玉露一相逢，便胜却人间无数。两情若是久长时，又岂在朝朝暮暮。

English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.

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莫愁前路无知己，天下谁人不识君。

Mò chóu qián lù wú zhī jǐ, tiān xià shuí rén bù shí jūn.

Close English reading

Do not worry that no true friend waits on the road ahead; who under heaven does not know you?

Plain meaningGo forward confidently—you will find people who recognize and value you.

Source

Gao Shi· Tang dynasty · Farewell to Dong Da, No. 1

Complete Tang Poems

Why it fitsInstead of dwelling only on sorrow, the speaker gives a departing friend courage for the future.

Original context and translation note

莫愁前路无知己，天下谁人不识君。

English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.

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只愿君心似我心，定不负相思意。

Zhǐ yuàn jūn xīn sì wǒ xīn, dìng bù fù xiāng sī yì.

Close English reading

I only wish your heart were like mine; then you would not fail this longing.

Plain meaningI hope you feel the same way I do.

Source

Li Zhiyi· Northern Song dynasty · Song of Divination: I Live at the Head of the Yangtze

Guxi Ci

Why it fitsIt turns distance and longing into one vulnerable request for mutual feeling.

Original context and translation note

我住长江头，君住长江尾。日日思君不见君，共饮长江水。只愿君心似我心，定不负相思意。

English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.

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Translation note: These English readings are original explanations prepared for Gu Ren Said. The Chinese original and source are the authoritative objects being verified; literary translations can reasonably differ.

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