Classical Chinese C1: translate texts in one minute

For English speakers who want to understand and translate short passages from Classical Chinese texts quickly and accurately

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Classical Chinese C1: translate texts in one minute

ChineseLanguage

C1CEFR level

114Lessons

1Hours of video

Updated September 2026

What you'll be able to do

Understand selected Classical Chinese passages
Translate short passages into clear English
Compare original Chinese with English translations
Recognise expressions from traditional Chinese texts
Interpret concise Classical Chinese passages
Explore passages from the Analects of Confucius
Examine selected passages from Han Feizi and Xunzi

Course content

3 units · 114 lessons · 57m of video

Unit 1 — Passages from the Analects of Confucius40 lessons · 20m

Reflections on time0:30
Reflections on learning0:30
What is a junzi?0:30
Why do people resent someone?0:30
Who is never alone?0:30
Is prayer always useful?0:30
Should you blindly trust words?0:30
Why playing stupid can be an art0:33
What is worse than poverty?0:30
Office post and affairs0:30
The talk will change by person0:30
Who has the best learning experience?0:30
The right time to teach students0:30
Learning from others0:30
Command and execution0:30
Country conditions and personal shame0:30
Rule and personal choices0:30
Attitude towards young people0:30
What common people cannot be forced to change0:30
How to treat others0:30
Class, status and responsibility0:30
The importance of staffing0:30
Government and the ruler0:30
How to treat friends0:30
Losing the country with one word?0:30
The difference between junzi and petty person0:30
Mismatch between ends and means0:30
Thoughts on the poor and the rich0:30
How to repay kindness and hatred0:30
When idealism confronts impossible action0:30
Government, words and actions0:30
Junzi and petty person in hard times0:30
The importance of far-sighted thinking0:30
Leaving your own people to die0:30
What to do before starting something0:30
What makes a junzi feel ashamed0:30
Different demands of junzi and petty person0:30
How a junzi treats people and words0:30
What kind of person cannot change?0:30
What speech means to different people0:30

Unit 2 — Passages from Han Feizi56 lessons · 28m

Methods of governing the state0:30
Methods of governing through virtue0:30
Why propriety is precious0:30
Why appropriateness cannot solve everything0:30
What cannot be corrected or pursued0:30
The risk of rulers being too close to ministers0:30
The risks of powerful ministers0:30
When a ruler cannot use wealth wisely0:30
Why rulers cannot reveal desires0:30
Why rulers cannot expose their thoughts0:30
Five blockages faced by rulers0:47
The ruler's harm after being blocked0:30
When ministers control financial interests0:30
When ministers issue orders themselves0:30
When ministers control appointments0:30
When ministers promote their own people0:30
The consequences of careless rewards and forgiveness0:30
Choosing ministers based on fame0:30
Choosing officials through political groups0:30
Why capable officials matter to the state0:30
Why good officials hide away0:30
Why disloyal ministers enter government0:30
Why bad officials remain in government0:30
The sorrow of loyal officials0:30
Power cannot be shared by ruler and minister0:30
Why rulers meet disasters0:30
An unconventional ruler who lost his state0:30
How leaders lose their positions0:30
When a good starting point should not begin0:30
Different interests of leaders and subordinates0:30
The ruler's interests and rewards0:30
Using capable people for the ruler's interests0:30
Who appears foolish to law-makers?0:30
The risk of delegating power0:30
Officials' children in other countries0:30
The risk of officials' children abroad0:37
Why real Chinese prefer silence0:30
Why some officials help enemies0:30
Depending on others and oneself0:30
Why close family members complain0:37
The limits of wealth0:30
Why people cannot feel satisfied0:30
People easily influenced by others0:30
Why people disregard the law0:37
What state security depends on0:30
The ruler's problem0:30
The importance of tolerance0:30
People who act in similar ways0:30
Vast and solid principles0:30
The importance of cross-checking0:30
The drawbacks of one channel0:30
How to govern effectively0:30
Why bitter medicine is useful0:30
The reason for disorder0:30
Why small trust builds great trust0:30
Why a state needs officials0:30

Unit 3 — Passages from Xunzi and other classics18 lessons · 9m

Learning has no end0:30
The power of accumulation0:30
The power of perseverance0:30
The power of never giving up0:30
The pain before great achievements0:30
The eve of remarkable accomplishments0:30
When seeing good behaviour0:30
When seeing bad behaviour0:30
When good character is within0:30
When bad traits are within0:30
What kind of person is the teacher?0:30
What kind of person is the friend?0:30
What kind of person is the enemy?0:30
Inner growth0:30
Special etiquette0:30
Seeking self-improvement alone0:30
Just do it0:30
Humans and external things0:30

Description

If Classical Chinese feels difficult because the original texts are brief, compressed and unfamiliar, this course gives you focused explanations of selected passages. You will work through short texts, hear them read in Chinese, then follow their English translation and comparison.

What you’ll be able to do

Understand the meaning of selected Classical Chinese passages
Translate short passages into clear English
Compare the original Chinese with its English translation
Recognise ideas and expressions from traditional Chinese texts
Interpret concise passages without unnecessary explanation
Understand selected passages from the Analects of Confucius
Explore passages from Han Feizi, Mozi and Xunzi

How the course works

Follow short video lessons focused on individual Classical Chinese passages
Hear each passage read in Chinese before studying its English meaning
Compare the Chinese original with the English translation
Study additional explanations where a passage has a distinctive Chinese meaning

What’s inside

3 sections, 114 video lessons and approximately 57 minutes of video
Selected passages from major Classical Chinese works
Focused explanations designed to get directly to the meaning of each passage

Who this course is for

English speakers who want to understand Classical Chinese texts
Learners who want quick explanations of passages from traditional Chinese works
Readers who want to understand the meaning of Classical Chinese quotations

Before you start

No specific prerequisite is stated in the source
English is used for the translations

Who this course is for

English speakers who want to understand Classical Chinese texts
Learners who want quick explanations of traditional Chinese passages
Readers interested in understanding Classical Chinese quotations

Before you start

No specific prerequisite is stated in the source
English is used for the translations

Questions, answered

What texts are covered in the course?

The course includes selected passages associated with the Analects of Confucius, Han Feizi, Mozi and Xunzi.

How is each passage explained?

The passage is first read in Chinese, followed by an English translation and a comparison between the Chinese and English.

Are the lessons long?

No. The lessons are designed as short explanations, with most individual lessons lasting about one minute.

Is this course focused on Classical Chinese translation?

Yes. The central purpose is to help you quickly understand the meaning of selected Classical Chinese passages in English.

Are additional meanings explained?

The source states that special meanings associated with Chinese characteristics are introduced as additional text where relevant.

How do I access the course?

Instantly after payment. A download link appears on the confirmation page and in your email.

Is it lifetime access?

Yes. Download the videos and PDFs and keep them, including future updates.

Is this the right level for me?

Each course states its CEFR level. If you are unsure, take the free level test before you buy.

Do I get a certificate?

Yes, a certificate of completion is included when shown in the course details.

What is the refund policy?

Full refund within 30 days if the course is not for you. Just contact us.

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