Is it Mei Xi or Mo Xi? What is the correct pronunciation?
2024-05-29 17:35:54 中文版

Mei Xi is a famous beauty in Chinese history, and her story has been praised until now. However, there is a controversial issue regarding her name - whether it is Mei Xi or Mo Xi. Let's delve into this matter.

Firstly, regarding the meanings of the characters "mei" and "mo". In ancient Han Chinese, "mei" refers to female kinship relations, whereas "mo" is used as a female name. Therefore, from this perspective, Mo Xi should be considered a name rather than a kinship term.

Secondly, let's explore the pronunciation of these two characters. According to modern Chinese pronunciation rules, "mei" and "mo" share the same tone, the fourth tone. However, in ancient Chinese, the pronunciations were distinct. Historical evidence suggests that "mo" was pronounced as "mò," while "mei" was pronounced as "mèi." Hence, from this perspective, Mo Xi is more likely a name rather than a kinship term.

Lastly, considering the frequency of usage of these two characters in ancient literature, "mei" appears more frequently than "mo." For instance, in the "Records of the Grand Historian," the wife of Xia Jie is referred to as "Mei Xi," while in the "Zuo Zhuan," the wife of King Zhou of Shang is named "Da Ji." Therefore, from this perspective, "Mei Xi" seems to be a more commonly used appellation.

In conclusion, based on historical records and modern Chinese pronunciation rules, "Mei Xi" appears to be a more accurate appellation. While "Mo Xi" is also a common name, it is not an accurate appellation from a historical and linguistic perspective. I hope this article has helped you better understand the historical and cultural background of this issue.

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