---
name: seven-char-regulated-verse
description: Master the structure, tonal patterns, and rhyming requirements of classical seven-character regulated verse (七言律诗) in Chinese poetry.
---

# Seven-Character Regulated Verse (七言律诗) Structure

## Overview
The seven-character regulated verse is one of the most refined forms of classical Chinese poetry. It consists of exactly 8 lines, with each line containing 7 characters.

## Basic Structure Requirements

### Line Count
- Exactly 8 lines total
- Format: Title (on line 1), then lines 1-8 of the poem

### Character Count
- Each line must have exactly 7 characters
- Characters are meaningful units in classical Chinese (not syllables)

## Rhyme Scheme
- Lines 2, 4, 6, 8 must rhyme together
- Rhyming is based on modern Mandarin pronunciation (following modern pinyin)
- The rhymed character is typically at the end of the line
- All rhyming lines share the same final sound (same tone vowel + consonant)

## Tonal Pattern (Ping Ze 平仄)

The classical regulated verse follows strict tonal patterns:
- 平 (píng) = level/even tones (1st, 2nd tones in Mandarin)
- 仄 (zè) = oblique/departing tones (3rd, 4th tones in Mandarin)

### Standard Tonal Pattern for Seven-Character Lines
Most common pattern (one of two acceptable patterns):
```
Line 1: 仄 仄 平 平 仄 仄 平
Line 2: 平 平 仄 仄 平 平 仄  (rhyme)
Line 3: 平 平 仄 仄 平 平 仄
Line 4: 仄 仄 平 平 仄 仄 平  (rhyme)
Line 5: 仄 仄 平 平 仄 仄 平
Line 6: 平 平 仄 仄 平 平 仄  (rhyme)
Line 7: 平 平 仄 仄 平 平 仄
Line 8: 仄 仄 平 平 仄 仄 平  (rhyme)
```

Alternative pattern:
```
Line 1: 平 平 仄 仄 平 平 仄
Line 2: 仄 仄 平 平 仄 仄 平  (rhyme)
```

## Couplet Structure
The 8 lines form 4 couplets:
1. **Opening couplet** (lines 1-2): Introduces the theme
2. **Development couplet** (lines 3-4): Develops the theme further
3. **Turning couplet** (lines 5-6): Shifts perspective or deepens meaning
4. **Closing couplet** (lines 7-8): Resolves or concludes

## Content Requirements
- Each couplet should be relatively self-contained in meaning
- Lines within a couplet should relate to each other
- The poem should have a coherent overall narrative or emotional arc
- Classical imagery and allusions are preferred

## Antithesis (Duiou 对偶)
Regulated verses typically feature antithetical couplets where:
- Opposite or complementary concepts are placed in parallel
- Parallel grammatical structures are used
- Creates balance and emphasis

## Practical Composition Tips

### Rhyme Selection
1. Choose your rhyme sound first (modern Mandarin pinyin)
2. Common peace-related rhymes: 安(ān), 天(tiān), 年(nián), 间(jiān), 还(huán), 川(chuān)

### Building Process
1. Decide opening and closing themes
2. Choose rhyming characters for positions 2, 4, 6, 8
3. Build each line ensuring:
   - Exactly 7 characters
   - Correct tonal pattern
   - Meaningful content
   - Rhyme words in correct positions

### Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Don't exceed 7 characters per line
- Ensure rhyming words have matching modern Mandarin finals
- Maintain proper 平仄 alternation (though minor violations in internal positions are more acceptable than in the final position)
- Keep classical vocabulary appropriate to theme

## Historical Context
This verse form was perfected during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) and remains the most prestigious form of classical Chinese poetry. It represents the pinnacle of technical mastery in Chinese poetic composition.