Interpreting Commonly Misunderstood Chinese Four-Character Idioms (Chengyu)（part 3）

(3) 首當其衝(Shǒu dāng qí chōng)

This expression comes from the Book of Han · Treatise on the Five Elements: “Zheng (state name), being a small state situated between Jin and Chu and further pressured by the powerful Wu, 當其衝. If it failed to cultivate virtue, the three states would fight, bringing danger and destruction upon itself.” Here only the phrase “當其衝” appears. The complete expression “首當其衝” emerged later: The Draft History of Qing · Military Annals IX states: “When European warships came eastward, Guangdong首當其衝.”

In actual usage, writers often focus on the words “首当” (to be first) while overlooking the character “衝”, leading to misuse. For example, the Shanxi Daily once wrote: “Promoting the creative innovation of Yan Emperor culture 首當其衝” (2016-05-14).

The main reason for this misuse is that “冲,” “沖,” and “衝” were originally three separate characters, but were merged after the simplification of Chinese characters.

The oracle-bone form of “冲” primarily did not mean “the middle of water,” but rather a flag in water being struck by ice blocks, since the “water” radical in this form represented ice.

The oracle-bone script of 冲

Therefore, the word “冲擊” (impact) should employ “冲”, carrying the meaning of collision. The bronze inscription form of “沖” and its small-seal form were explained in the Shuowen Jiezi as: “湧繇也(It means water surging and coursing).”

The bronze inscription of 冲

The small seal script of 冲

It should be interpreted as the center or turbulent area of water, where currents clash with one another, making the water swift and difficult to flow smoothly. The phrase “沖和之美” should therefore use “沖,” carrying the sense of deep and rapid central waters.

As for “衝”, it refers to a crossroads. Its original form appears as a crossing-road shape.

The original script of 衝

The Shuowen Jiezi explains: “A thoroughfare. Similar to “行”, with “童” as the phonetic.” This character was also written as “彳童亍.” The bronze form of “童” referred to a blinded prisoner of war unable to escape, carrying the sense of recklessness, and was later extended to mean “child.”

The bronze inscription of 童

Therefore, the original meaning of “彳童亍 (衝)” should be: “A vital route guarded by reckless men.” It did not originally carry the meaning of “collision.” “衝” should likewise be regarded as an independent character, for at present there is no evidence sufficient to explain it otherwise.

In summary, “首當其衝” should properly be understood as “首当其彳童亍,” meaning: “The first to arrive at the strategic passage and occupy the crucial position.”

Ba Jin’s Family says: “The Gao family was the wealthiest household near the North Gate, and naturally had to “首当其衝,” so it was better to avoid matters early.” This usage is correct.

The above are merely brief explanations for the reference of my colleagues.