Hi, Geoette,

In "崇山峻嶺", all four words have the word "山" embedded in them, and imho, "清流激湍" or "流水清泉" 等句 would be a good match if not the best.

As for "茂林脩竹", they all have hints on "plantation" in their "full/thick foliage", and are supposed to be found in the "mountains". Guess these would be the criteria we need to pay attention to; don't you think so?

Regards.

Hi Futari

I am a novice as far as understanding the Chinese language is concerned, let alone couplets. Although I love to read but many a time, I have extreme difficulties in understanding what is written.

You do have a valid point there in that Wang Xizhi placed great emphasis on the word ‘山’ in every of the first four words.

Assuming his ensuing words of 清流激湍 are a match for 崇山峻嶺, then we are saying that the two phrases 茂林脩竹 and 流觴曲水 are a match too. Are they? Please enlighten … I am really at a loss!

Looking at yours and Glot’s comments, it would seem that there are lots of guidelines to follow in the making of couplets. I had better lay down my arms!

崇山峻嶺茂林脩竹 晨煙暮霭春照秋陰

The above work can hardly be regarded as a nice match for a couplet.
1. Unlike 崇 and 峻 being similar in meaning, 晨 and 暮 are contrary to each other.
2. 茂林脩竹=adj+n+adj+n, but 春照秋陰=adv+v+adv+v, which is not matched.

My humble try:
清流激湍湧泉飛瀑
崇山峻嶺茂林脩竹

The reason why they're matched (though not perfect):
茂林脩竹 is what can be seen as the impressive scenes in 崇山峻嶺;
湧泉飛瀑 is what can be found as the attractive views in 清流激湍.
Secondly, the first part ends with a 仄聲 word, while the seocnd part ends with a 平聲 word, which associates with tone.

Quote:

Thanks, Geo. I'm not an expert in Chinese word arts, so my comments may be far from valuable and learned.

崇山峻嶺茂林脩竹 is a structure of adj-n-adj-n-adj-n-adj-n.
Therefore, your 園地清溪 may better be replaced by 翠園清溪.
Besides, to fulfill the tone need, will you revise 綠葉香茗 to 香茗馥葉? (綠 is a bit too basic in adj level)
Thus:
翠園清溪香茗馥葉
崇山峻嶺茂林脩竹

Please disregard my piece if it doesn't fit your thought.

Hi Glot

Once again my heartfelt thanks to you.

Your contributions are truly invaluable. And you rightfully deserve the tag ‘learned’ on you.

Also thanks for pinpointing my errors. I know my attempt was a rather bad one. But the consolation is, I have at least chosen some words that fit in. Ha ha!

Thanks again pal!

To Geoette,

Me, too, is a rookie in poetry writing and am learning and seeking expertise here also.

Hi Futari

There's no royal road to learning. Keep your postings coming please.

Regards.