散文

散文 (sǎn wén) refers to a form of Chinese writing that is not in verse, often characterized by its natural and free-flowing style. It differs from poetry or formal essays, focusing more on personal expression and everyday themes.

The character 散 (sǎn) means 'scattered' or 'dispersed,' while 文 (wén) means 'writing' or 'literature.' Together, they suggest a type of writing that is unstructured and flowing, like scattered thoughts expressed in written form.

散文 is commonly used in literary contexts and is an important part of Chinese culture. It can appear in newspapers, magazines, and personal journals. Learners should note that it is often contrasted with 詩 (shī), meaning 'poetry,' and 記 (jì), meaning 'record' or 'memoir.'