正传

正傳
zhèngzhuàn
noun #28,026

Meanings

  1. 1 main subject
  2. 2 true biography
  3. 3 the real story

Examples

HSK 4
《 Ā Q Zhèngzhuàn 》 shì Lǔ Xùn zuì zhùmíng de xiǎoshuō zhīyī.
"The True Story of Ah Q" is one of Lu Xun's most famous novels.
HSK 7-9
Xiánhuà shǎo shuō, yánguī-zhèngzhuàn.
Enough small talk, let's get back to the main point.

Tips

usage
正传 most commonly appears in the phrase 言归正传 ('returning to the main topic'), used to redirect a conversation after a digression. It also appears in literary titles - 《Q正传》 is the most famous example.
culture
Q正传》 (1921) by Lu Xun is a landmark of modern Chinese literature. Ah Q represents a satirical portrait of Chinese national character, and the title's 正传 ('true biography') is ironic.

In Pop Culture

Q正传 Ā Q Zhèngzhuàn
The True Story of Ah Q
Influential 1921 novella by Lu Xun satirizing Chinese society through an anti-hero character

Stroke Order

zhèng
chuán