Author(s)

Li Xuefei^*

School of Chinese Language and Literature, China West Normal University, Nanchong, China.

Purpose: To explore the meaning of “Qingtou” collected by Han Yu Da Ci Dian: “She is a qingtou girl, so she is less sophisticated than me”. Methods: Method of Triangle Theory is put forward by Fuyi Xing to grasp clearly the grammar facts, which is based on the materials of Mandarin, Dialect and Classical Chinese. This study still employs materials of ancient characters. Results: “Qingtou” suggests two meanings: one refers to “raven hair” and the other “having not been married and still being a virgin” and the initial form of it is “qingtong”. Conclusion: There isn’t yet a clear understanding of “qingtou” in most modern dictionaries. Such a fact is caused by the insufficient investigation on Chinese language materials. As a result, it’s hard to trace back to the very origin of its meaning.

Triangle Theory, Qingtou, Qingtong, Word-Formation

Xuefei, L. (2016) An Analysis of “Qingtou”. Chinese Studies, 5, 27-33. doi: 10.4236/chnstd.2016.52004.