Milky Way; empty talk; ignore
Meanings
3 senses · 9 examplesnoun
the Milky Way; the Galaxy
literaryLiterary term for the galaxy, often referred to as the 'Silver River' in classical Chinese poetry.
So distant, the Cowherd star; so bright, the Girl by the Silver River.
Looking up at the night sky, one sees only the splendid Milky Way.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
The Silver River is clear and shallow; how far apart are we really?
noun
empty talk; nonsense; words without substance
literaryMetaphorical usage comparing empty words to the distant, unreachable Milky Way. Often used in the phrase '邈若河汉' (as distant as the Milky Way).
What he said is nothing but empty talk and should not be readily believed.
These are all empty words, insufficient to serve as evidence.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
His promises are as distant as the Milky Way, difficult to fulfill.
verb
to disbelieve; to ignore; to disregard
archaicUsed in classical Chinese syntax where the object (usually '斯言' - these words) follows the verb. Often appears in the phrase '幸毋河汉斯言' (I hope you will not disregard these words).
I hope you will not disbelieve these words.
You should not ignore my words, but should ponder them deeply.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
The teacher's words should not be disregarded.