clerical script

Questions

What does clerical script mean?

An archaic style of Chinese calligraphy, dominant during the Han dynasty. Characters are rather wide (in comparison with modern styles), with long, bold, and deliberate sweeping strokes. Unlike the preceding seal script, it is still easily legible to modern readers, and thus remains in decorative use.

Where does clerical script come from?

Calque from Chinese 隸書／隶书 (lìshū). Tradition holds that clerical script developed out of the needs of clerks.

How to pronounce clerical script

1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “clerical script”.
2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “clerical script”.
4. Repeat and practice — Say “clerical script” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.