ssu-ma ch'ien: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowAcademic, Historical
Quick answer
What does “ssu-ma ch'ien” mean?
The name of the great Chinese historian of the Han dynasty (c. 145–86 BCE), author of the 'Records of the Grand Historian' (Shiji).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The name of the great Chinese historian of the Han dynasty (c. 145–86 BCE), author of the 'Records of the Grand Historian' (Shiji).
A metonym for foundational Chinese historiography, classical scholarship, or authoritative historical record-keeping.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage. The older Wade-Giles romanization 'Ssu-ma Ch'ien' is more common in older academic texts, which may appear more frequently in British library holdings, while 'Sima Qian' (Pinyin) is the modern standard in both regions.
Connotations
Identical connotations of erudition, historical authority, and classical Chinese culture.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Slightly higher frequency in university history or East Asian studies departments.
Grammar
How to Use “ssu-ma ch'ien” in a Sentence
[Subject] cites Sima Qian[Subject] is described by Sima Qian as...Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in history, sinology, and literature papers. E.g., 'The methodology of Sima Qian is central to understanding Han historiography.'
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Used as a proper noun reference in historical and philological research.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ssu-ma ch'ien”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ssu-ma ch'ien”
- Incorrect romanization: 'Si Ma Qian' (incorrect spacing), 'Ssuma Chien'.
- Using it as a common noun, e.g., 'He was the sima qian of his time.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Roughly 'SEE-mah CHyen'. The 'Q' is pronounced like a soft 'ch'.
He is considered the father of Chinese historiography, creating a comprehensive history of China that influenced all subsequent historical writing.
It is a Chinese family name. Historically, it was a title for a minister of war.
In modern writing, use the standard Pinyin romanization 'Sima Qian'. 'Ssu-ma Ch'ien' is the older Wade-Giles system.
The name of the great Chinese historian of the Han dynasty (c. 145–86 BCE), author of the 'Records of the Grand Historian' (Shiji).
Ssu-ma ch'ien is usually academic, historical in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Sima Qian: SEE-mah Chen — SEE the MAster of History who CHronicled ENtire dynasties.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FOUNDATION STONE (of history), AN ARCHIVE, AN AUTHORITATIVE VOICE FROM THE PAST.
Practice
Quiz
What is Sima Qian best known for?