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Kong Yiji 孔⼄⼰ (Kǒng Yǐjǐ) Kong Yiji, protagonist of short

story by Lu Xun 鲁迅.

Author: Lu Xun 作者：鲁迅 鲁迅 (Lǔ Xùn) Lu Xun (1881-1936), one of the

earliest and best-known modern Chinese writers.

The layout of the hotel in 鲁镇的酒店的格局， 鲁 (Lǔ) surname Lu; Shandong Province ⼭东省;
Luzhen, vassal state during the Zhou Dynasty (1066-221 BC)
in modern day Shandong Province. 镇 (zhèn) to
press down; to calm; to subdue; to suppress; to
guard; garrison; small town; to cool or chill (food or
drinks). 格局 (géjú) structure; pattern; layout.

Is different from 是和别处不同的： 别处 (biéchù) elsewhere.

elsewhere:

It’s a big curved counter 都是当街⼀个曲尺形的⼤ 当街 (dāngjiē) in the middle of the street; facing the
in the street, street. 曲尺 (qūchǐ) set square (tool to measure right
柜台， angles). 形 (xíng) to appear; to look; form; shape. 柜
台 (guìtái) sales counter; front desk; bar; over the
counter.

There is hot water in the 柜⾥⾯豫备着热⽔， 柜 (guì) variant of 柜. 豫 (yù) variant of 预. 热⽔

cabinet, (rèshuǐ) hot water.

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 You can warm the wine at
any time.
Workers,
I left work in the afternoon
and evening,
For every four copper
coins spent,
Buy a bowl of wine,
——This is more than 20
years ago,
Now every bowl will rise
to ten wen,
——Standing against the
cabinet,
Take a hot drink and rest;
If you are willing to spend
more,
You can buy a dish of
salted bamboo shoots,
Or fennel beans,
To make a drink,
If there are more than a
dozen essays,
Then you can buy a meat
dish,
But these customers,
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可以随时温酒。 随时 (suíshí) at any time; at all times; at the right
time.
做⼯的⼈， 做⼯ (zuògōng) to work with one's hands; manual
work; workmanship.
傍午傍晚散了⼯， 傍午 (bàngwǔ) towards noon; around midday. 傍晚
(bàngwǎn) in the evening; when night falls; towards
evening; at night fall; at dusk.
每每花四⽂铜钱， 每每 (měiměi) often. 铜 (tóng) copper (chemistry);
see also 红铜: ⼀块铜.
买⼀碗酒，
⸺这是⼆⼗多年前的 ⼆⼗多 (èrshíduō) over 20.
事，
现在每碗要涨到⼗⽂， 涨到 (zhǎngdào) to go up; to rise.
⸺靠柜外站着， 靠 (kào) to lean against or on; to stand by the side
of; to come near to; to depend on; to trust; to fuck
(vulgar); traditional military costume drama where
the performers wear armor (old).
热热的喝了休息；
倘肯多花⼀⽂， 倘 (cháng) see 倘佯.
便可以买⼀碟盐煮笋， 便 (biàn) ordinary; plain; convenient; as convenient;
when the chance arises; handy; easy; informal;
simple; so; thus; to relieve oneself; to urinate; to
defecate; equivalent to 就: then; in that case; even if;
soon afterwards. 碟 (dié) dish; plate. 煮 (zhǔ) variant
of 煮. 笋 (sǔn) bamboo shoot.
或者茴⾹⾖， 茴⾹ (huíxiāng) fennel (Foeniculum vulgare). ⾖
(dòu) variant of ⾖.
做下酒物了， 下酒 (xiàjiǔ) to be appropriate to have with alcohol;
to down one's drink.
如果出到⼗⼏⽂， ⼗⼏ (shíjǐ) more than ten; a dozen or more.
那就能买⼀样荤菜， 荤菜 (hūncài) non-vegetarian dish (including meat,
fish, garlic, onion etc).
但这些顾客，
 Mostly short clothes,
Probably not so
generous.
Only those in long gowns,
I walked into the house
next to the store,
Want wine and food,
Sit and drink slowly.
Since I was twelve years
old,
I worked as a buddy in
Xianheng Hotel at the
entrance of town,
The shopkeeper said,
Looks too silly,
I'm afraid I can't wait for
the patrons of the gown
Just do something
outside.
The short clothes
customer outside,
Although easy to talk,
But there are a lot of
nagging entanglements.
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多是短⾐帮， 短⾐帮 (duǎnyībāng) lit. short jacket party; working
people; the toiling masses; blue collar workers.
⼤抵没有这样阔绰。 ⼤抵 (dàdǐ) generally speaking; by and large; for the
most part. 阔绰 (kuòchuò) ostentatious; extravagant;
liberal with money.
只有穿⻓衫的， ⻓衫 (chángshān) long gown; cheongsam; traditional
Asian dress for men or (in Hong Kong) women's
qipao.
才踱进店⾯隔壁的房⼦ 踱 (duó) to stroll; to pace; Taiwan pr. . 店⾯
(diànmiàn) shop front. 隔壁 (gébì) next door;
⾥， neighbor. 房⼦ (fángzi) house; building (single- or
two-story); apartment; room: ⼀栋房⼦, or ⼀幢房⼦.
要酒要菜，
慢慢地坐喝。
我从⼗⼆岁起， ⼗⼆ (shí èr) twelve; 12.
便在镇口的咸亨酒店⾥当 亨 (hēng) prosperous; henry (unit of inductance). 伙
计 (huǒji) partner; fellow; mate; waiter; servant; shop
伙计， assistant.
掌柜说， 掌柜 (zhǎngguì) shopkeeper.
样⼦太傻， 傻 (shǎ) foolish.
怕侍候不了⻓衫主顾， 侍候 (shìhòu) to serve; to wait upon. 主顾 (zhǔgù)
client; customer.
就在外⾯做点事罢。 在外 (zàiwài) outer. 罢 (bà) to stop; to cease; to
dismiss; to suspend; to quit; to finish.
外⾯的短⾐主顾， 外⾯ (wàimian) outside. 短⾐ (duǎnyī) short
garment; short jacket.
虽然容易说话，
但唠唠叨叨缠夹不清的也 唠 (láo) to chatter. 唠叨 (láodao) to prattle; to chatter
away; to nag; garrulous; nagging. 叨 (dāo)
很不少。 garrulous. 缠夹不清 (chánjiābùqīng) to muddle
things together (idiom); to bother sb with annoying
muddle-headed talk. 不少 (bùshǎo) many; a lot; not
few.
 They often have to watch
the rice wine scoop out
from the jar with their own
eyes,
I have seen whether there
is water in the bottom of
the pot,
I watched putting the pot
in hot water again,
Then rest assured:
Under this serious
supervision,
The water is also very
difficult.
So after a few days,
The shopkeeper said I
couldn't do this again.
Fortunately, the
recommendation is great,
Cannot be dismissed,
It was changed to a
boring job specializing in
warming wine.
I have been standing at
the counter all day,
Take charge of my job.
Although there is no
dereliction of duty,
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他们往往要亲眼看着⻩酒 亲眼 (qīnyǎn) with one's own eyes; personally. ⻩酒
(huángjiǔ) "yellow wine" (mulled rice wine, usually
从坛⼦⾥舀出， served warm). 坛⼦ (tánzi) jug (earthenware with a
big belly and a small opening). 舀 (yǎo) to ladle out;
to scoop up.
看过壶⼦底⾥有⽔没有， 壶 (hú) pot; classifier for bottled liquid. 有⽔
(yǒushuǐ) supplied with water (of a house).
⼜亲看将壶⼦放在热⽔ ⽔⾥ (Shuǐlǐ) Shuili township in Nantou county 南投
县, central Taiwan.
⾥，
然后放⼼：
在这严重监督下， 监督 (jiāndū) to control; to supervise; to inspect.
羼⽔也很为难。 羼⽔ (chànshuǐ) to mix with water (wine); to
adulterate. 为难 (wéinán) to feel embarrassed or
awkward; to make things difficult (for someone); to
find things difficult (to do or manage).
所以过了⼏天， ⼏天 (jǐtiān) several days.
掌柜⼜说我⼲不了这事。
幸亏荐头的情⾯⼤， 幸亏 (xìngkuī) fortunately; luckily. 荐头 (jiàntou)
employment agent (arch.); job broker. 情⾯
(qíngmiàn) feelings and sensibilities; sentiment and
face; sensitivity to other's feelings.
辞退不得， 辞退 (cítuì) to dismiss; to discharge; to fire. 不得
(bùdé) must not; may not; not to be allowed; cannot.
便改为专管温酒的⼀种⽆ 改为 (gǎiwéi) to change into. 专管 (zhuānguǎn) to be
in charge of something specific. 职务 (zhíwù) post;
聊职务了。 position; job; duties.
我从此便整天的站在柜台 从此 (cóngcǐ) from now on; since then; henceforth.
整天 (zhěngtiān) all day long; whole day.
⾥，
专管我的职务。
虽然没有什么失职， 没有什么 (méiyǒushénme) it is nothing; there's
nothing ... about it. 失职 (shīzhí) to lose one's job;
unemployment; not to fulfil one's obligations; to
neglect one's job; dereliction of duty.
 But I always feel a little 但总觉得有些单调， 单调 (dāndiào) monotonous.
monotonous,

Somewhat boring. 有些⽆聊。

The shopkeeper has a 掌柜是⼀副凶脸孔， 副 (fù) secondary; auxiliary; deputy; assistant; vice-;
fierce face, abbr. for 副词 adverb; classifier for pairs, sets of
things & facial expressions. 凶 (xiōng) terrible;
fearful. 脸孔 (liǎnkǒng) face.

The patrons did not have 主顾也没有好声⽓， 声⽓ (shēngqì) voice; tone.

a good voice,

Teach people to be lively; 教⼈活泼不得；

Only Kong Yiji came to 只有孔⼄⼰到店，

the store,

To laugh a few times, 才可以笑⼏声，

So I still remember. 所以⾄今还记得。 ⾄今 (zhìjīn) so far; to this day; until now.

Kong Yiji is the only 孔⼄⼰是站着喝酒而穿⻓ 喝酒 (hējiǔ) to drink (alcohol). 唯⼀ (wéiyī) only;
person wearing a long sole.
gown while drinking while 衫的唯⼀的⼈。
standing.

He is tall and big; 他⾝材很⾼⼤； 身材 (shēncái) stature; build (height and weight);
figure. ⾼⼤ (gāodà) tall; lofty.

Pale face, ⻘⽩脸⾊， ⻘⽩ (Qīngbái) Qingbaijiang district of Chengdu city

成都市, Sichuan. 脸⾊ (liǎnsè) complexion; look.

There are often scars 皱纹间时常夹些伤痕； 皱纹 (zhòuwén) wrinkle: ⼀道皱纹. 时常 (shícháng)

between wrinkles; often; frequently. 夹 (jiā) to press from either side; to
place in between; to sandwich; to carry sth under
armpit; wedged between; between; to intersperse; to
mix; to mingle; clip; folder; Taiwan pr. . 伤痕
(shānghén) scar; bruise.

A matted gray beard. ⼀部乱蓬蓬的花⽩的胡 乱蓬蓬 (luànpēngpēng) disheveled; tangled. 花⽩

(huābái) grizzled (hair). 胡⼦ (húzi) beard; mustache
⼦。 or whiskers; facial hair: ⼀撮胡⼦, or ⼀根胡⼦; (coll.)
bandit.

Although they are wearing 穿的虽然是⻓衫，

long gowns,

But it's dirty and broken, 可是⼜脏⼜破，

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 It seems that there has 似乎⼗多年没有补， 似乎 (sìhū) apparently; to seem; to appear; as if;
been no supplementation seemingly. 补 (bǔ) to repair; to patch; to mend; to
for more than ten years, make up for; to fill (a vacancy); to supplement.

No washing either. 也没有洗。

He speaks to people, 他对⼈说话，

People who are always 总是满口之乎者也， 满⼝之乎者也 (mǎnkǒuzhīhūzhěyě) mouth full of

full of mouths, literary phrases; to spout the classics.

Teach people half- 教⼈半懂不懂的。

understand.

Because his surname is 因为他姓孔， 孔 (kǒng) hole: ⼀个孔; classifier for cave dwellings.
Kong,

From the words 别⼈便从描红纸上的“上 描红 (miáohóng) to trace over red characters (as a
"Shangshang Kong Yiji" method of learning to write). ⼤⼈ (dàren) adult;
on the tracing paper, they ⼤⼈孔⼄⼰”这半懂不懂 grownup; title of respect toward superiors.
half understood
的话⾥，

Get a nickname for him, 替他取下⼀个绰号， 下⼀个 (xiàyīge) the next one. 绰号 (chuòhào)
nickname.

Called Kong Yiji. 叫作孔⼄⼰。 叫作 (jiàozuò) to call; to be called.

When Kong Yiji arrived at 孔⼄⼰⼀到店，

the store,

All the drinkers looked at 所有喝酒的⼈便都看着他

him and smiled,
笑，

Some shouted, 有的叫道， 有的 (yǒude) (there are) some (who are...); some
(exist). 叫道 (jiàodào) to call; to shout.

"Kong Yiji, “孔⼄⼰，

There is a new scar on 你脸上⼜添上新伤疤 添 (tiān) to add; to increase; to replenish. 伤疤

your face! " (shāngbā) scar; fig. remnant of former damage;
了！” remaining trauma: ⼀道伤疤.

He does not answer, 他不回答，

Said to the cabinet, 对柜⾥说，

"Warm two bowls of wine, “温两碗酒，

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 Want a dish of fennel 要⼀碟茴⾹⾖。”
beans. "

Then discharge the nine 便排出九⽂⼤钱。 排出 (páichū) to discharge. ⼤钱 (dàqián) high

wen big money. denomination of banknotes or coins; lots of money;
a big sum (e.g. a bribe).

They deliberately shouted 他们⼜故意的⾼声嚷道， ⾼声 (gāoshēng) aloud; loud; loudly. 嚷 (rǎng) to

again, blurt out; to shout.

"You must have stolen “你⼀定⼜偷了⼈家的东 偷 (tōu) to steal; to pilfer; to snatch; thief; stealthily.
something from someone ⼈家 (rénjiā) household; dwelling; family; sb else's
again!" 西了！” house; household business; house of woman's
husband-to-be: ⼀户⼈家, or ⼀家⼈家.

Kong Yiji opened his eyes 孔⼄⼰睁⼤眼睛说， 睁 (zhēng) to open (one's eyes).
and said,

"Why are you so “你怎么这样凭空污⼈清 凭空 (píngkōng) baseless (lie); without foundation.

innocent..." "What 清⽩ (qīngbái) pure; innocent.
innocence? ⽩……”“什么清⽩？

I saw you stole He’s book 我前天亲眼⻅你偷了何家 前天 (qiántiān) the day before yesterday. 家的 (jiāde)
the day before yesterday. (old) wife.
的书，

Hanging to fight. " 吊着打。” 吊 (diào) to suspend; to hang up; to hang a person.

Kong Yiji flushed, 孔⼄⼰便涨红了脸， 涨红 (zhànghóng) to turn red (in the face); to flush
(with embarrassment or anger).

The green veins on the 额上的⻘筋条条绽出， 额 (é) variant of 额. ⻘筋 (qīngjīn) veins; blue veins.
forehead bloomed, 绽 (zhàn) to burst open; to split at the seam.

Argued, 争辩道， 争辩 (zhēngbiàn) a dispute; to wrangle.

"Stealing a book can't be “窃书不能算偷……窃 窃 (qiè) to steal; secretly; (humble) I.

considered stealing... a
book stealing! 书！

...The matter of scholars, 读书⼈的事， 读书⼈ (dúshūrén) scholar; intellectual.

Can it be considered 能算偷么？”

stealing? "

Successive words are 接连便是难懂的话， 接连 (jiēlián) on end; in a row; in succession. 便是

difficult to understand, (biànshì) (emphasizes that sth is precisely or exactly
as stated); precisely; exactly; even; if; just like; in the
same way as. 难懂 (nándǒng) difficult to understand.

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 What "gentlemen keep 什么“君⼦固穷”， 君⼦ (jūnzǐ) nobleman; person of noble character. 固
poor", (gù) hard; strong; solid; sure; assuredly;
undoubtedly; of course; indeed; admittedly.

What kind of "Zhehu", 什么“者乎”之类， 之类 (zhīlèi) and so on; and such.

It caused everyone to 引得众⼈都哄笑起来： 引得 (yǐndé) index (loanword). 众⼈ (zhòngrén)

laugh: everyone. 哄笑 (hōngxiào) to roar with laughter;
hoots of laughter; guffaw.

The inside and outside of 店内外充满了快活的空 内外 (nèiwài) inside and outside; domestic and
the store is filled with foreign; approximately; about. 充满 (chōngmǎn) full
cheerful air. ⽓。 of; brimming with; very full; permeated. 快活
(kuàihuo) happy; cheerful.

Listening to people 听⼈家背地⾥谈论， 背地⾥ (bèidìli) behind sb's back. 谈论 (tánlùn) to

talking secretly, discuss; to talk about.

Kong Yiji had also read 孔⼄⼰原来也读过书，

books before,

But finally did not go to 但终于没有进学， 进学 (jìnxué) to advance one's learning; to enter the
school, prefecture school under the imperial examination
system.

Can't make a living ⼜不会营⽣； 营⽣ (yíngshēng) to earn a living; a livelihood.

So getting poorer and 于是愈过愈穷， 愈 (yù) the more...(the more...); to recover; to heal;
poorer, better.

Get to beg. 弄到将要讨饭了。 弄到 (nòngdào) to get hold of; to obtain; to secure; to

come by. 将要 (jiāngyào) will; shall; to be going to.
讨饭 (tǎofàn) to ask for food; to beg.

Fortunately, he wrote a 幸而写得⼀笔好字， 幸⽽ (xìng ér) by good fortune; luckily.

good word,

Then he made money 便替⼈家钞钞书， 钞 (chāo) money; paper money; variant of 抄.

books for others,

Change a bowl of rice to 换⼀碗饭吃。

eat.

It's a pity that he has the 可惜他⼜有⼀样坏脾⽓， 坏脾⽓ (huàipíqì) bad temper.
same bad temper,

It is delicious and lazy. 便是好喝懒做。 好喝 (hǎohē) tasty (drinks).

Sat less than a few days, 坐不到⼏天，

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 It connects people, 便连⼈和书籍纸张笔砚， 书籍 (shūjí) books; works. 纸张 (zhǐzhāng) paper. 笔
books, papers, pens and 砚 (bǐyàn) writing brush and ink stone.
inkstones,

All disappeared. ⼀⻬失踪。 ⼀⻬ (yīqí) at the same time; simultaneously. 失踪

(shīzōng) to be missing; to disappear; unaccounted
for.

How many times, 如是⼏次， 如是 (rúshì) thus. ⼏次 (jǐcì) several times.

There are no more people 叫他钞书的⼈也没有了。

who called him money
books.

Kong Yiji has no law, 孔⼄⼰没有法， 没有法 (méiyǒufǎ) at a loss; unable to do anything
about it; to have no choice.

It is inevitable to do some 便免不了偶然做些偷窃的 免不了 (miǎnbùliǎo) unavoidable; can't be avoided.

theft accidentally. 偶然 (ǒurán) incidentally; occasional; occasionally;
事。 by chance; randomly. 偷窃 (tōuqiè) to steal; to pilfer.

But he is in our store, 但他在我们店⾥，

Behave better than 品⾏却⽐别⼈都好， 品⾏ (pǐnxíng) behavior; moral conduct.

others,

Is never in arrears; 就是从不拖⽋； 从不 (cóngbù) never. 拖⽋ (tuōqiàn) in arrears;

behind in payments; to default on one's debts.

Although there is no cash 虽然间或没有现钱， 间或 (jiànhuò) occasionally; now and then. 现钱

from time to time, (xiànqián) cash.

Temporarily write it on the 暂时记在粉板上， 粉板 (fěnbǎn) blackboard; painted board on which to

powder board, make temporary notes with brush pen.

But within a month, 但不出⼀⽉， ⼀⽉ (Yīyuè) January; first month (of the lunar year).

Sure to pay off, 定然还清， 定然 (dìngrán) certainly; of course. 还清 (huánqīng)

to pay back in full; to redeem a debt.

The name of Kong Yiji 从粉板上拭去了孔⼄⼰的 拭 (shì) to wipe.

was wiped off the powder
board. 名字。

Kong Yiji drank half a 孔⼄⼰喝过半碗酒， 过半 (guòbàn) over fifty percent; more than half.
bowl of wine,

The flushed face 涨红的脸⾊渐渐复了原， 渐渐 (jiànjiàn) gradually.

gradually recovered,

9
 The other person asked 旁⼈便⼜问道， 旁⼈ (pángrén) other people; bystanders; onlookers;
again, outsiders. 问道 (wèndào) to ask the way; to ask.

"Kong Yiji, “孔⼄⼰，

Do you really know 你当真认识字么？” 当真 (dāngzhēn) to take seriously; serious; No

Chinese? " joking, really!.

Kong Yiji looked at the 孔⼄⼰看着问他的⼈，

person who asked him,

Showed an air of disdain. 显出不屑置辩的神⽓。 显出 (xiǎnchū) to express; to exhibit. 不屑 (bùxiè) to

disdain to do sth; to think sth not worth doing; to feel
it beneath one's dignity. 置辩 (zhìbiàn) to argue. 神⽓
(shénqì) expression; manner; vigorous; impressive;
lofty; pretentious.

They continued, 他们便接着说道， 说道 (shuōdào) to state; to say (the quoted words).

"Why can't you even get “你怎的连半个秀才也捞 怎的 (zěnde) what for; why; how. 半个 (bànge) half
half a talent?" of sth. 秀才 (xiùcai) a person who has passed the
不到呢？” county level imperial exam (historical); scholar;
skillful writer; fine talent. 捞 (lāo) to fish up; to dredge
up.

Kong Yiji immediately 孔⼄⼰⽴刻显出颓唐不安 ⽴刻 (lìkè) forthwith; immediate; prompt; promptly;

appeared depressed and straightway; thereupon; at once. 颓唐 (tuítáng)
uneasy. 模样， dispirited; depressed. 不安 (bù ān) unpeaceful;
unstable; uneasy; disturbed; restless; worried. 模样
(múyàng) look; style; appearance; approximation;
about: ⼀个模样; also pr. .

There was a layer of gray 脸上笼上了⼀层灰⾊， 笼 (lóng) basket; cage; flat bamboo basket used to
on his face, serve dimsum 点⼼; to cover; to cage; to embrace;
to manipulate through trickery. ⼀层 (yīcéng) layer.
灰⾊ (huīsè) gray; ash gray; grizzly; pessimistic;
gloomy; dispirited; ambiguous.

Say something in your 嘴⾥说些话； 嘴⾥ (zuǐlǐ) mouth; in the mouth; on one's lips;
mouth speech; words.

This time, it’s all the 这回可是全是之乎者也之 之乎者也 (zhīhūzhěyě) four common characters of
same. classical Chinese (idiom); fig. semi-
类， incomprehensible talk; double Dutch; all Greek to
me.

Some do not understand. ⼀些不懂了。

At this time, 在这时候，

Everyone also burst into 众⼈也都哄笑起来：

laughter:

10
 The inside and outside of 店内外充满了快活的空
the store is filled with
cheerful air. ⽓。

At these times, 在这些时候，

I can agree with a smile, 我可以附和着笑， 附和 (fùhè) to parrot; to crib; to copy sb's action or
words; to trail sb's footsteps; copy-cat.

The shopkeeper will never 掌柜是决不责备的。 决不 (juébù) not at all; simply (can) not. 责备 (zébèi)
blame. to blame; to criticize; condemnation; reproach.

And the shopkeeper saw 而且掌柜⻅了孔⼄⼰，

Kong Yiji,

I always ask him like this, 也每每这样问他，

Make people laugh. 引⼈发笑。 发笑 (fāxiào) to burst out laughing; to laugh.

Kong Yiji knew that he 孔⼄⼰⾃⼰知道不能和他 谈天 (tántiān) to chat.

couldn't talk to them,
们谈天，

So I had to talk to the 便只好向孩⼦说话。

child.

Said to me once, 有⼀回对我说道，

"Have you read a book?" “你读过书么？”

I nodded slightly. 我略略点⼀点头。 略略 (luèluè) slightly; roughly; briefly; very generally.

He said, 他说，

"Read the book, “读过书，

...I will test you. ……我便考你⼀考。

The word fennel of fennel 茴⾹⾖的茴字， 茴 (huí) fennel; aniseed.

bean,

How is it written? " 怎样写的？”

I think, 我想，

A beggar, 讨饭⼀样的⼈，

11
 Do you also match me? 也配考我么？ 配 (pèi) to join; to fit; to mate; to mix; to match; to
deserve; to make up (a prescription); to allocate.

Then turned back, 便回过脸去，

No longer bother. 不再理会。 理会 (lǐhuì) to understand; to pay attention to; to take

notice of.

Kong Yiji waited for a long 孔⼄⼰等了许久， 许久 (xǔjiǔ) for a long time; for ages.
time,

Said very earnestly, 很恳切的说道， 恳切 (kěnqiè) earnest; sincere.

"Can't write it? “不能写罢？

...I teach you, ……我教给你，

Remember! 记着！

These words should be 这些字应该记着。

remembered.

When I become a 将来做掌柜的时候，

shopkeeper in the future,

Use it for writing 写账要⽤。” 账 (zhàng) account; bill; debt: ⼀本账, or ⼀笔账.
accounts. "

I thought to myself that 我暗想我和掌柜的等级还 暗想 (ànxiǎng) think to oneself. 等级 (děngjí) grade;

my level with the rank; status.
shopkeeper is still far 很远呢，
away,

And our shopkeeper 而且我们掌柜也从不将茴

never billed fennel beans;
⾹⾖上账；

Funny again, ⼜好笑， 好笑 (hǎoxiào) laughable; funny; ridiculous.

And impatient, ⼜不耐烦， 不耐烦 (bùnàifán) impatience; impatient.

Replied lazily, 懒懒的答他道，

"Who wants you to teach, “谁要你教，

Isn't it a back and forth 不是草头底下⼀个来回的 来回 (láihuí) to make a round trip; return journey;
answer under the grass back and forth; to and fro; repeatedly.
head? " 回字么？”

12
 Kong Yiji looked 孔⼄⼰显出极⾼兴的样
extremely happy,
⼦，

Tap the long nails of two 将两个指头的⻓指甲敲着 指头 (zhǐtou) finger; toe: ⼀个指头. 指甲 (zhǐjia)
fingers on the counter, fingernail.
柜台，

Nodded and said, 点头说， 点头 (diǎntóu) to nod.

"Yes, yes! “对呀对呀！

…There are four ways to ……回字有四样写法， 写法 (xiěfǎ) style of writing (literary style); way of
write Huizi, writing a character; spelling.

do you know? " 你知道么？”

I'm getting more 我愈不耐烦了，

impatient,

Struggling to walk away. 努着嘴走远。

Kong Yiji just dipped his 孔⼄⼰刚⽤指甲蘸了酒， 蘸 (zhàn) to dip in (ink, sauce etc).
nails in wine,

Want to write on the 想在柜上写字， 写字 (xiězì) to write characters.

cabinet,

Seeing that I am not ⻅我毫不热⼼， 毫不 (háobù) hardly; not in the least; not at all. 热⼼
enthusiastic, (rèxīn) enthusiasm; zeal; zealous; zest; enthusiastic;
ardent; warmhearted.

He sighed again, 便⼜叹⼀口⽓， 叹 (tàn) to sigh; to gasp; to exclaim. ⼀⼝⽓ (yīkǒuqì)

one breath; in one breath; at a stretch.

He looked extremely 显出极惋惜的样⼦。 惋惜 (wǎnxī) to regret; to feel that it is a great pity; to

sorry. feel sorry for sb.

A few times, 有⼏回，

The neighbor's child 邻舍孩⼦听得笑声， 邻舍 (línshè) neighbor; person next door. 笑声

laughed, (xiàoshēng) laughter.

Also hurry up, 也赶热闹，

Surrounded Kong Yiji. 围住了孔⼄⼰。 围住 (wéizhù) to surround; to gird.

13
 He gave them fennel 他便给他们茴⾹⾖吃，
beans to eat,

One per person. ⼀⼈⼀颗。 颗 (kē) classifier for small spheres, pearls, corn
grains, teeth, hearts, satellites etc.

After the child eats beans, 孩⼦吃完⾖， 吃完 (chīwán) to finish eating.

Still staying, 仍然不散，

All eyes are on the plate. 眼睛都望着碟⼦。 碟⼦ (diézi) saucer; small dish: ⼀盘碟⼦.

Kong Yiji panicked, 孔⼄⼰着了慌， 慌 (huāng) to get panicky; to lose one's head; (coll.)
(after 得) unbearably; terribly.

Spread out five fingers to 伸开五指将碟⼦罩住， 伸开 (shēnkāi) to stretch out. 罩 (zhào) cover; fish
cover the dish, trap (basket); shade.

Bend down and said, 弯腰下去说道， 弯腰 (wānyāo) to stoop.

"Running out, “不多了，

I am running out. " 我已经不多了。”

Straighten up and look at
the beans again,
直起⾝⼜看⼀看⾖， 直 (zhí) straight; to straighten; fair and reasonable;
frank; straightforward; (indicates continuing motion
or action); vertical; vertical downward stroke in
Chinese characters. 起身 (qǐshēn) to get up; to
leave; to set forth. 看⼀看 (kànyīkàn) to have a look.

I shook my head and ⾃⼰摇头说， 摇头 (yáotóu) to shake one's head.

said,

"Not much, not much! “不多不多！

How amazing? 多乎哉？ 哉 (zāi) (exclamatory or interrogative particle).

Not much. " 不多也。”

So this group of children 于是这⼀群孩⼦都在笑声 群 (qún) variant of 群. ⾛散 (zǒusàn) to wander off;

scattered in laughter. to stray; to get lost.
⾥走散了。

Kong Yiji is so happy, 孔⼄⼰是这样的使⼈快

活，

14
 But without him, 可是没有他，

Others have done the 别⼈也便这么过。

same.

one day, 有⼀天，

About two or three days ⼤约是中秋前的两三天， 中秋 (Zhōngqiū) the Mid-autumn festival, the
before the Mid-Autumn traditional moon-viewing festival on the 15th of the
Festival, 8th lunar month.

The shopkeeper is slowly 掌柜正在慢慢的结账， 结账 (jiézhàng) to pay the bill; to settle accounts;
checking out, also written 结帐.

Remove the powder 取下粉板，

board,

Suddenly said, 忽然说， 忽然 (hūrán) suddenly; all of a sudden.

"Kong Yiji hasn't come for “孔⼄⼰⻓久没有来了。 ⻓久 (chángjiǔ) (for a) long time.
a long time.

I still owe nineteen 还⽋⼗九个钱呢！” ⽋ (qiàn) deficient; to owe; to lack; yawn. ⼗九

money! " (shíjiǔ) nineteen; 19.

I also think he hasn't 我才也觉得他的确⻓久没 的确 (díquè) really; indeed.

come for a long time.
有来了。

A drinker said, ⼀个喝酒的⼈说道，

"How could he come? “他怎么会来？

...He has a discounted ……他打折了腿了。”

leg. "

The shopkeeper said, 掌柜说，

"Oh!" “哦！” 哦 (é) to chant.

"He still steals. “他总仍旧是偷。 仍旧 (réngjiù) still (remaining); to remain (the same);
yet.

This time, 这⼀回，

I was fainted, 是⾃⼰发昏， 发昏 (fāhūn) to faint.

15
 Stole to Ding Juren's 竟偷到丁举⼈家⾥去了。 丁 (Dīng) surname Ding. 举⼈ (jǔrén) graduate;
house. successful candidate in the imperial provincial
examination.

His house stuff, 他家的东西，

Steal it? " 偷得的么？”

"What happened?" “后来怎么样？”

"how about it? “怎么样？

Write your defense first, 先写服辩， 服辩 (fúbiàn) written confession; letter of

repentance.

Then it was fight, 后来是打，

Played most of the night, 打了⼤半夜， 半夜 (bànyè) midnight; in the middle of the night.

Discounted legs again. " 再打折了腿。”

"and after?" “后来呢？”

"The legs were “后来打折了腿了。”

discounted later."

"How about the “打折了怎样呢？”

discount?"

"how? “怎样？

...Who knows? ……谁晓得？ 晓得 (xiǎode) to know.

Xu is dead. " 许是死了。”

The shopkeeper stopped 掌柜也不再问，

asking,

Still calculating his 仍然慢慢的算他的账。

account slowly.

After Mid-Autumn 中秋之后，

Festival,

The autumn breeze is 秋⻛是⼀天凉⽐⼀天，

cooler day by day,

16
 Look at the approaching 看看将近初冬； 将近 (jiāngjìn) almost; nearly; close to. 初冬
early winter; (chūdōng) early winter.

I leaned on the fire all day, 我整天的靠着⽕， 着⽕ (zháohuǒ) to ignite; to burn.

Also need to put on a 也须穿上棉袄了。 穿上 (chuānshang) to put on (clothes etc). 棉袄

cotton jacket. (mián ǎo) cotton-padded jacket.

In the second half of the ⼀天的下半天， 下半天 (xiàbàntiān) afternoon.

day,

Without a customer, 没有⼀个顾客，

I was sitting with my eyes 我正合了眼坐着。 正 (zhèng) just (right); main; upright; straight;
closed. correct; positive; greater than zero; principle; to
correct; to rectify.

Suddenly I heard a voice, 忽然间听得⼀个声⾳，

"Warm a bowl of wine." “温⼀碗酒。”

Although the voice is 这声⾳虽然极低，

extremely low,

But very familiar. 却很耳熟。 ⽿熟 (ěrshú) to sound familiar; familiar-sounding.

There was no one when I 看时⼜全没有⼈。

watched it.

Stand up and look out, 站起来向外⼀望， 站起来 (zhànqǐlai) to stand up. 向外 (xiàngwài) out;
outward.

That Kong Yiji sat under
the counter against the
threshold.
那孔⼄⼰便在柜台下对了 台下 (táixià) off the stage; in the audience. 对了
(duìle) Correct!; Oh, that's right, ... (when one
⻔槛坐着。 suddenly remembers sth one wanted to mention);
Oh, by the way, .... ⻔槛 (ménkǎn) doorstep; sill;
threshold; fig. knack or trick (esp. scheme to get sth
cheaper).

His face is dark and thin, 他脸上⿊而且瘦，

Already out of shape 已经不成样⼦； 不成样⼦ (bùchéngyàngzi) shapeless; deformed;

ruined; beyond recognition; (of a person) reduced to
a shadow.

Wear a broken jacket, 穿⼀件破夹袄， 夹袄 (jiá ǎo) lined jacket; double layered jacket: ⼀件
夹袄.

Cross-legged, 盘着两腿，

17
 Put a pouch underneath, 下⾯垫⼀个蒲包， 垫 (diàn) pad; cushion; mat; to pad out; to fill a gap;
to pay for sb; to advance (money). 蒲 (Pú) surname
Pu; old place name.

Hang on the shoulder ⽤草绳在肩上挂住； 绳 (shéng) rope: ⼀根绳. 肩 (jiān) shoulder; to

with straw rope; shoulder (responsibilities etc). 挂住 (guàzhù) to get
caught (entangled); to catch (on sth).

Met me, ⻅了我，

Said again, ⼜说道，

"Warm a bowl of wine." “温⼀碗酒。”

The shopkeeper also 掌柜也伸出头去， 伸出 (shēnchū) to extend.

stretched out his head,

On the one hand, ⼀⾯说，

"Kong Yiji? “孔⼄⼰么？

You still owe nineteen 你还⽋⼗九个钱呢！”

money! "

Kong Yiji replied 孔⼄⼰很颓唐的仰⾯答 仰 (Yǎng) surname Yang.

dejectedly,
道，

"This... pay it off next “这……下回还清罢。 下回 (xiàhuí) next chapter; next time.

time.

This time it’s cash, 这⼀回是现钱，

Wine is better. " 酒要好。” 要好 (yàohǎo) to be on good terms; to be close

friends; striving for self-improvement.

The shopkeeper is still the 掌柜仍然同平常⼀样， 平常 (píngcháng) ordinary; common; usually;

same as usual, ordinarily.

Smiled and said to him, 笑着对他说，

"Kong Yiji, “孔⼄⼰，

You stole something 你⼜偷了东西了！”

again! "

But he didn’t really argue 但他这回却不⼗分分辩， 分辩 (fēnbiàn) to explain the facts; to defend against
this time. an accusation.

18
 Just said "Don't make fun 单说了⼀句“不要取 取笑 (qǔxiào) to tease; to make fun of.
of!"
笑！”

"make fun of? “取笑？

If you don't steal, 要是不偷，

How can I break my leg? 怎么会打断腿？” 打断 (dǎduàn) to interrupt; to break off; to break (a
" bone).

Kong Yiji whispered, 孔⼄⼰低声说道， 低声 (dīshēng) low voice.

"Fall off, “跌断， 跌断 (diēduàn) to fall and fracture (a leg, vertebra

etc).

fall, 跌， 跌 (diē) to drop; to fall; to tumble; Taiwan pr. .

Stumble..." His wink, 跌……”他的眼⾊， 眼⾊ (yǎnsè) signal made with one's eyes;
meaningful glance.

It's like begging the 很像恳求掌柜， 恳求 (kěnqiú) to beg; to beseech; to entreat;

shopkeeper, entreaty.

Don't mention it again. 不要再提。

A few people have 此时已经聚集了⼏个⼈， 此时 (cǐshí) now; this moment. 聚集 (jùjí) to

gathered at this time, assemble; to gather. 个⼈ (gèrén) individual;
personal; oneself.

Then and the shopkeeper 便和掌柜都笑了。

laughed.

I warmed the wine, 我温了酒，

Take it out, 端出去， 端 (duān) end; extremity; item; port; to hold sth level
with both hands; to carry; regular. 出去 (chūqù) to go
out.

Put it on the threshold. 放在⻔槛上。

He drew out four pennies 他从破⾐袋⾥摸出四⽂⼤ ⾐袋 (yīdài) pocket. 摸 (mō) to feel with the hand; to
from his torn pocket, touch; to stroke; to grope; to steal; to abstract.
钱，

Put it in my hand, 放在我⼿⾥，

Seeing his hands full of ⻅他满⼿是泥， 满⼿ (mǎnshǒu) handful. 泥 (ní) mud; clay; paste;
mud, pulp.

19
 It turns out that he came 原来他便⽤这⼿走来的。
with this hand.

After a while, 不⼀会， 不⼀会 (bùyīhuì) soon.

He finished drinking, 他喝完酒，

Then again in the laughter 便⼜在旁⼈的说笑声中，

of others,

Sit down and walked 坐着⽤这⼿慢慢走去了。 ⾛去 (zǒuqù) to walk over (to).

slowly with this hand.

Since then, ⾃此以后， ⾃此 (zìcǐ) since then; henceforth.

It was a long time since I ⼜⻓久没有看⻅孔⼄⼰。

saw Kong Yiji.

At the end of the year, 到了年关， 年关 (niánguān) end of the year.

The shopkeeper took off 掌柜取下粉板说，

the powder board and
said,

"Kong Yiji still owes “孔⼄⼰还⽋⼗九个钱

nineteen money!"
呢！”

By the Dragon Boat 到第⼆年的端午， 端午 (Duānwǔ) see 端午节.

Festival of the second
year,

Then he said, "Kong Yiji ⼜说“孔⼄⼰还⽋⼗九个

still owes nineteen
money!" 钱呢！”

By the Mid-Autumn 到中秋可是没有说，

Festival, but did not say,

I didn't see him until the 再到年关也没有看⻅他。

end of the year.

I haven't seen him until 我到现在终于没有⻅⸺ 到现在 (dàoxiànzài) up until now; to date.
now—about Kong Yiji is
indeed dead. ⼤约孔⼄⼰的确死了。

20
 March 1919. ⼀九⼀九年三⽉。

21