Common Meanings
1
wén文
Patterns or designs, often intricate, formed by interwoven or complex elements; referring to a beautiful texture or ornamentation, as in 'resplendent like brocade'.
这幅壁画色彩斑斓，图案错综复杂，灿若文锦
This mural is colorful and intricately patterned, resplendent like brocade.
To engrave or decorate with patterns, similar to tattooing.
这件陶器上文着精美的图案。
This pottery piece is adorned with exquisite patterns.
Refers to a symbol for recording language, such as written characters or script.
她喜欢研究古代的文字。
She likes to study ancient characters.
Pertaining to written language, literature, culture, or documentation; often used in compounds like 'diploma', 'literature', or 'document'.
她对中国传统文艺非常感兴趣。
She is very interested in traditional Chinese literature and art.
A summary of human achievements, often referring to culture, civilization, or cultural relics.
我们要好好保护这些珍贵的文化遗产。
We must properly protect these precious cultural heritage sites.
Refers to natural phenomena, as in astronomy (天文) or hydrology (水文).
我喜欢研究天文现象。
I enjoy studying astronomical phenomena.
In old times, refers to etiquette or rituals, often used in expressions like 'empty formalities' (虚文) or 'superfluous ceremonies' (繁文缛节).
现代人追求效率，不再喜欢那些繁文缛节。
Modern people pursue efficiency and no longer favor those elaborate rituals and formalities.
Refers to elegance, refinement, or literary grace, often contrasted with simplicity ('质') or raw emotion ('情'), as seen in '文质彬彬' (balanced elegance and simplicity).
这位老师谈吐有文有质，令人印象深刻。
This teacher's speech is both refined and substantial, leaving a deep impression.
Gentle, mild, quiet, or refined (describing a temperament or manner).
她性格文静，总是默默地观察周围的一切。
Her personality is gentle and quiet; she always observes everything around her silently.
Pertaining to non-military or civil affairs, often in contrast to military matters.
他更倾向于从事文职工作，而不是军事方面的任务。
He leans more towards civilian jobs than military assignments.
Refers to written language based on classical Chinese, such as classical Chinese itself (文言) or a style that mixes classical and vernacular elements (文白间杂).
这篇文章的语言风格是文白间杂的，读起来别有风味。
The language style of this article is a mixture of classical and vernacular, which gives it a unique charm.
Refers specifically to humanities or social sciences.
我对文科更感兴趣。
I am more interested in humanities.
To gloss over or cover up (faults, mistakes).
他总是试图文饰自己的不足。
He always tries to gloss over his shortcomings.
A unit of ancient small copper coins; a penny (often implying a very small amount or lack of money).
他辛苦了一整天，却只挣了几文钱。
He worked hard all day, but only earned a few ancient copper coins.