手写的从前 Shǒu xiě de cóng qián
Handwritten Past
1. Why This Song Is Perfect for Learning Chinese
2005 nostalgic ballad about first love and handwritten memories. Full of beautiful, poetic imagery and gentle spoken rhythm. Perfect for intermediate learners who want romantic vocabulary.
2. Cultural & Emotional Background
In the 2000s, writing love letters by hand was the ultimate romantic gesture. The song captures the innocence of campus love. “手写的从前” became a symbol of pure, pre-digital romance. Many Chinese people still associate it with their first crush. It’s one of Jay Chou’s most covered songs.
3. Key Excerpts & Breakdown
Opening
这风铃 跟心动很接近
Translation: “This wind chime is very close to a heartbeat”
Famous line
初恋是 整遍手写的从前
Translation: “First love is a whole page of handwritten past”
Memory
校园旁糖果店
Translation: “The candy store next to campus”
Final
我将你深埋在心里面
Translation: “I buried you deep in my heart”
4. Partial English Translation
This wind chime feels like a heartbeat.
First love is a whole page of handwritten memories.
The candy store next to campus, the square where we performed.
I buried you deep in my heart.
5. Useful Vocabulary & Phrases
| Pinyin | Chinese | English |
|---|---|---|
| fēng líng | 风铃 | wind chime |
| xīn dòng | 心动 | heart flutter |
| chū liàn | 初恋 | first love |
| shǒu xiě | 手写 | handwritten |
| xiào yuán | 校园 | campus |
6. Grammar & Patterns
- 跟…很接近 = very close to
- 将…深埋 = bury deeply
7. Listening & Shadowing Tips
Gentle guitar makes it easy to sing along.