红豆 Hóng dòu
Red Bean
1. Song Overview
1998 ethereal classic. “Red bean” is an ancient Chinese symbol of lovesickness. Perfect for intermediate-advanced learners.
2. Key Excerpts & Explanations
Opening regret
还没好好地感受
Translation: “I haven’t properly felt…”
Philosophy
一切有尽头
Translation: “Everything has an end”
Famous wish
等到风景都看透
Translation: “Until all the scenery is seen through”
Title metaphor
红豆熬成缠绵的伤口
Translation: “Boiling red beans into lingering wounds”
3. Full English Translation (Our version)
I never properly felt snowflakes with you,
nor held your hand across barren dunes.
Sometimes I believe everything must end –
yet sometimes I’d rather cling and never let go,
waiting until we’ve seen all life’s scenery,
hoping you’ll stay to watch the gentle river flow forever.
4. Key Vocabulary
| Pinyin | Chinese | English |
|---|---|---|
| hóng dòu | 红豆 | red bean (lovesickness) |
| chàn dǒu | 颤抖 | tremble |
| tiān cháng dì jiǔ | 天长地久 | everlasting |
| xì shuǐ cháng liú | 细水长流 | gentle, lasting flow |
5. Cultural Notes
红豆 = ancient symbol of love from a Tang poem by 王维.