How to make a pair of couplets

Couplets, also known as "couplets", are commonly known as pairs. It is a unique art form of Chinese language with simple words and deep meanings, neat and tidy counterparts, and harmonious levels and oblique tones. It can be said that the art of couplets is a cultural treasure of the Chinese nation.

Categorization

The types of couplets are approximately divided into spring couplets, happy couplets, longevity couplets, elegiac couplets, decorative couplets, industry couplets, social couplets and miscellaneous couplets (including harmonic couplets ....)

Couplets vary in length, short only one or two words; long up to several hundred words. The form of the couplet is diverse, there are positive, negative, running water couplet, joint ball couplet, set sentence couplet and so on. But no matter what kind of couplets, using what form, but must have the following characteristics:

Format

One, the number of words is equal, the same sentence. In addition to the intention to empty the position of a word to achieve a certain effect, the upper and lower couplets must be the same number of words, no more, no less.

Secondly, it is necessary to match the level and tone. The traditional custom is "oblique start flat fall", that is, the last word of the last sentence of the first line with oblique tone, the last word of the last line of the second line with flat tone.

Thirdly, the words should be relative and in the same position. Generally known as "virtual to virtual, real to real", that is, noun to noun, verb to verb, adjective to adjective, quantity word to quantity word, adverb to adverb, and the relative words must be in the same position.

Fourth, to content related, up and down connection. The meanings of the upper and lower couplets must be connected to each other, but not overlapping.

In addition, the hanging couplets, the traditional method must also be written vertically pasted, from right to left, from top to bottom, can not be reversed.

With the couplet closely related to the cross, can be said to be the title of the couplet, but also the center of the couplet. Good cross-checks in the couplet can play the role of the dragon's eye, complement each other.