Erya – One of the Thirteen Classics

The Erya, one of the Thirteen Classics, is the earliest Chinese work dedicated to explaining word meanings. It is also the first dictionary compiled systematically based on semantic organization and categorical classification. Regarding its date of composition and authorship, some believe it was written by the Duke of Zhou during the early Western Zhou dynasty, with later additions by Confucius and his disciples. Others attribute its authorship to Confucius’ disciples. Based on its content, the Erya is generally thought to have been completed between the Warring States period and the early Western Han dynasty.

As for its title, "尔" (ěr) means "near", and "雅" (yǎ) means "correct". Here, "雅" specifically refers to "standard language", indicating speech and writing that conform to phonological, lexical and grammatical norms. The name Erya thus implies "bringing archaic and regional words closer to standard language through proper interpretation". Over several centuries, from the Spring and Autumn period to the Western Han, significant changes occurred in language and writing, making ancient texts increasingly difficult for the general public to understand. The Erya was created to address this need.