Tune: Magnolia (Song Qi)
Text
English translation
Original Chinese text
东城渐觉风光好，縠皱波纹迎客棹。绿杨烟外晓云轻，红杏枝头春意闹。
English translation
The eastern city gradually reveals its spring beauty. Fine ripples, pleated like gauze, greet the visiting boat. Beyond the haze of green willows, morning clouds are light; red apricot branches burst with lively spring.
Original Chinese text
浮生长恨欢娱少，肯爱千金轻一笑？为君持酒劝斜阳，且向花间留晚照。
English translation
In this fleeting life, one often regrets how little time there is for joy. Who would begrudge a fortune for a single smile? I raise a cup for you and urge the setting sun to linger a little longer among the flowers.
词句注释 · Notes
上片 · First stanza
上片视线由水面推向柳色与杏花。“縠皱”比喻细密波纹，“春意闹”把花开写得繁盛而有声势，是全词最鲜明的动态表达。
The stanza’s gaze moves from rippling water to willows and apricot blossoms. “Pleated gauze” describes fine waves, while “spring is boisterous” gives the blossoms a vivid abundance and energy.
下片 · Second stanza
下片从赏春转向惜时惜欢。“千金”是夸张说法，写欢笑珍贵；劝斜阳留照则把留春愿望化作举杯相邀的动作，既热烈也明知不可久留。
The stanza turns from enjoying spring to valuing joy and time. “A fortune” is hyperbole for the worth of a smile. Asking the setting sun to linger turns the wish to keep spring into a toast—warm-hearted, though time cannot truly be stopped.