对联 duìlián rhyming couplet
rhyming couplet; pair of lines of verse written vertically down the sides of a doorway
How to remember 对联: 对 correct + 联 connect = rhyming couplet.
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How it is used
- A rhyming couplet - the paired vertical scrolls flanking a doorway, especially at Spring Festival: 过年贴对联 (guònián tiē duìlián) put up couplets for New Year.
- The two lines must match in length, tone, and parallel meaning - a poetic word-craft, not free verse.
- Measure words 副 (fù, a pair) or 幅 (fú, per scroll); the New Year set is 春联 (chūnlián).