non-professional books; extracurricular reading
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesnoun
books unrelated to one's profession or major; extracurricular reading
Commonly used in modern Chinese to refer to recreational reading or books outside one's field of study, often contrasted with professional or academic textbooks.
Don't always read non-professional books; spend more time studying your textbooks.
Besides professional books, there are many miscellaneous books on his bookshelf.
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Reading extracurricular books can broaden one's knowledge.
noun
books unrelated to imperial examinations (in the imperial examination era)
archaicHistorical usage referring to books such as novels, poetry collections, and miscellaneous writings that did not help prepare for the imperial civil service examinations, as opposed to Confucian classics.
In ancient times, scholars preparing for the imperial examinations often did not read extracurricular books.
Dream of the Red Chamber was once regarded as non-examination reading during the Qing Dynasty.
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The Four Books and Five Classics were orthodox texts, while novels and dramas were considered miscellaneous books.