How Do You Spell SIMA QIAN?

Pronunciation: [sˈiːmə kˈa͡ɪən] (IPA)

The spelling of Sima Qian, a Chinese historian and author, can be explained using IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) transcription as /sɪmɑː kjɛn/. The first syllable, "si", is pronounced with a short "i" sound like in "sit". The second syllable, "ma", is pronounced with a long "a" sound like in "father". The third syllable, "qian", is pronounced with a "k" sound followed by a "y" sound as in "keen". Overall, the pronunciation of Sima Qian is roughly "si-mah-kyen".

SIMA QIAN Meaning and Definition

1. Sima Qian was an influential Chinese historian who lived during the Han dynasty, specifically between 145 and 86 BC. He is best known for his comprehensive work, Shiji (Records of the Grand Historian), which is considered the most important historical text from ancient China.

   Sima Qian was born into a family of historians, and he inherited his father's position as the court historian. However, he faced numerous challenges in his career, including being castrated and imprisoned for defending a general who was later deemed a traitor. Despite these setbacks, Sima Qian focused on completing his monumental work, Shiji.

   Shiji is a comprehensive record of Chinese history from its legendary beginnings to around 100 BC. It covers a wide range of topics, including politics, warfare, religion, culture, and biography. Sima Qian's approach to historical writing was innovative for its time, as he combined various sources and perspectives to provide a more nuanced understanding of events.

   Sima Qian's dedication to accuracy and objectivity in historical recording paved the way for future historians in China. His work also influenced historiography worldwide, with Shiji serving as a model for subsequent historical texts. Despite the controversy and challenges he faced in his own life, Sima Qian's contribution to preserving and documenting the history of ancient China is immeasurable.

Common Misspellings for SIMA QIAN

• aima qian
• zima qian
• xima qian
• dima qian
• eima qian
• wima qian
• suma qian
• sjma qian
• skma qian
• soma qian
• s9ma qian
• s8ma qian
• sina qian
• sika qian
• sija qian
• simz qian
• sims qian
• simw qian
• simq qian
• sima 1ian

Etymology of SIMA QIAN

The word "Sima Qian" has its etymology rooted in Chinese.

- "Sima" (司马) is a Chinese surname that originated from ancient times. It can be roughly translated to "minister of war" or "commander of horses", suggesting a military connection.

- "Qian" (迁) is the given name of Sima Qian. It means "to move" or "to shift" in Chinese, symbolizing the idea of change or migration.

Sima Qian (145 - 86 BC) was a famous Chinese historian, astronomer, and author of the historical masterpiece known as the "Records of the Grand Historian" (Shiji). He is often considered the father of Chinese historiography and made significant contributions to the field with his detailed and comprehensive historical work.