How to translate 地道方正

[aprose1977]

Hello

 

One of my students is giving a presentation about the Hanfu and is struggling with a translation for the phrase  地道方正   For example in the sentence 领口以直角相交，代表地道方正 .   I suggested "authenticity and probity" but I think that's a bit loose and that the original Chinese refers to something beyond just a translation (although I'm not quite sure what). 

 

Cheers

 

Adam 

 

 

 

[Hezhuomin]

Hi Adam ,

 

In ancient times , chinese people thinks circinal sky and square ground . There is another sentence before the sentence  : 袖口宽大，象征天道圆融；领口直角相交，象征地道方正； The whole sentece is meaning that , Hanfu ' cuff is loose-bodied ,collarband is crossing at right angles , symbolize circinal sky and square ground , means Hanfu is conforming the nature .... You should translate it on the base of these .

 

Hope it is useful for you .....

 

Zoe 

[aprose1977]

Thank you Zoe.  That's very helpful. 

[roddy]

Wasn't aware of that 天道/地道 pair, interesting.