The Moon Represents My Heart
This page was created in order to share one of China's best-loved songs with a new generation of Chinese learners. The Chinese name, of course, is 月亮代表我的心 (yuèliang dàibiǎo wǒ de xīn).
The song has been a favorite at performances and karaoke parlors alike for years. No study of Chinese culture should bypass this classic, whether you really love it or just find it cheesy.
The word 代表 represents a bit of a translation problem. This verb is typically translated as "represent" or "stands for." Used with the two nouns "moon" and "heart," however, it comes out seeming a bit strange in English. Yet the Chinese is not the least bit strange. An appreciation for this song may lead to a better grammatical grasp of Chinese (or an improved understanding of the scope of the verb 代表 at the very least).
The song expresses that words cannot adequately convey the speaker's love. The moon, a symbol of romance the world over, can.
The Chinese lyrics are below.
月亮代表我的心
1:
你问我爱你有多深
我爱你有几分
我的情也真
我的爱也真
月亮代表我的心
2:
你问我爱你有多深
我爱你有几分
我的情不移
我的爱不变
月亮代表我的心
3:
轻轻的一个吻
已经打动我的心
深深的一段情
教我思念到如今
4:
你问我爱你有多深
我爱你有几分
你去想一想
你去看一看
月亮代表我的心
你去想一想
你去看一看
月亮代表我的心
The following is the Chinese lyrics in pinyin only.
yuèliang dàibiǎo wǒ de xīn
1:
nǐ wèn wǒ ài nǐ yǒu duō shēn
wǒ ài nǐ yǒu jǐ fēn
wǒ de qíng yě zhēn
wǒ de ài yě zhēn
yuèliang dàibiǎo wǒ de xīn
2:
nǐ wèn wǒ ài nǐ yǒu duō shēn
wǒ ài nǐ yǒu jǐ fēn
wǒ de qíng bùyí
wǒ de ài bùbiàn
yuèliang dàibiǎo wǒ de xīn
3:
qīngqīng de yīgè wěn
yǐjīng dǎdòng wǒ de xīn
shēnshēn de yīduàn qíng
jiào wǒ sīniàn dào rújīn
4:
nǐ wèn wǒ ài nǐ yǒu duō shēn
wǒ ài nǐ yǒu jǐ fēn
nǐ qù xiǎng yī xiǎng
nǐ qù kàn yī kàn
yuèliang dàibiǎo wǒ de xīn
nǐ qù xiǎng yī xiǎng
nǐ qù kàn yī kàn
yuèliang dàibiǎo wǒ de xīn
The Moon Represents my Heart
1:
You ask how deeply I love you,
and just how great my love is.
My affection is real,
and my love is true.
The moon represents my heart.
2:
You ask how deeply I love you,
and just how great my love is.
My affection does not waver
and my love doesn't change.
The moon represents my heart.
3:
So soft was the kiss
that has moved my heart.
Such a deep affection
makes me long for you now.
4:
You ask how deeply I love you,
and just how great my love is.
Consider this,
and look above.
The moon represents my heart.