春夜喜雨
Pleasant Rain on a Spring Night
Original
好雨知时节
当春乃发生
随风潜入夜
润物细无声
野径云俱黑
江船火独明
晓看红湿处
花重锦官城
Translation
A good rain knows the season
it comes as spring begins
Stealing with the wind into the night
nourishing all without a sound
The country path and clouds are dark
the river boat's light alone glows
At dawn, see where flowers are wet
heavy with blooms in Jin Guan City
Line by Line Analysis
About This Poem
**Translation**: *Pleasant Rain on a Spring Night* A good rain knows the season, It comes as spring begins. Stealing with the wind into the night, Nourishing all without a sound. The country path and clouds are dark; The river boat’s light alone glows. At dawn, see where flowers are wet, Heavy with blooms in Jin Guan City. **Background & Theme**: Composed around 761 AD in Chengdu, this poem reflects Du Fu’s peaceful respite after the An Lushan Rebellion. The timely rain, a symbol of renewal, embodies his joy at nature’s life-giving power. The theme celebrates serenity, hope, and the quiet beauty of nature’s generosity.
About the Poet
杜甫
Dù Fǔ
Du Fu (712–770), a towering Tang Dynasty poet, is hailed as the 'Poet Sage'. His works, known as 'poetic history', vividly record social upheaval, especially during the An Lushan Rebellion. Renowned for his 'depressed and forceful' style, he mastered realism, refined language, and strict metrics, leaving an indelible mark on classical Chinese literature.
Cultural & Historical Context
**Historical Context**: The Tang Dynasty (618–907) saw cultural flourishing and decline. Du Fu lived through the An Lushan Rebellion (755–763), a civil war that shattered prosperity. His poetry became a mirror of this era, earning him 'poetic history' status. **Cultural Significance**: As a 'Poet Sage', Du Fu elevated poetry to a vehicle for social commentary. Tang poetry’s golden age thrived on such realism, with Du as a cornerstone, influencing generations of writers. **Social Background**: In agrarian Tang China, rain was vital for crops. Farmers depended on timely rains, so Du’s '喜雨' (Pleasant Rain) resonated with collective reverence for nature and survival. **Personal Experience**: After years of displacement, Du settled in Chengdu’s thatched cottage (759–765). This poem reflects his newfound peace and appreciation for simple joys, marking a period of creative renewal. **Creation & Artistry**: Du aimed to celebrate nature’s generosity. Artistic devices include personification ('知时节'), contrast ('野径黑' vs '江船明'), and imagery ('红湿处'). His strict meter and vivid language exemplify classical Chinese poetic precision, blending personal emotion with universal themes of hope and renewal.
More by 杜甫
江畔独步寻花
Strolling Among the Flowers by the Riverbank
黄四娘家花满蹊，
绝句·迟日江山丽
Quatrain: Chí Rì Jiāng Shān Lì (Beautiful Spring Landscapes)
迟日江山丽，
闻官军收河南河北
Hearing the Government Troops Have Recovered Henan and Hebei
剑外忽传收蓟北
江南逢李龟年
Encountering Li Guinian in the South
岐王宅里寻常见，
绝句·两个黄鹂鸣翠柳
Jueju: Two Golden Orioles Sing Amid Green Willows
两个黄鹂鸣翠柳，
赠花卿
To General Hua Jingding
锦城丝管日纷纷，