The Tao Te Ching is originally written in Classical Chinese, which is also known as Literary Chinese. This language was the written standard in China for many centuries and differs significantly from the modern spoken languages of China today, such as Mandarin or Cantonese.
Classical Chinese is characterized by its brevity and the use of characters to convey complex ideas in fewer words, making it a profound and often ambiguous form of expression. As a result, translations of the Tao Te Ching can vary widely because of the multiple interpretations of these concise phrases.
This ancient text, attributed to Laozi, is foundational for Taoist philosophy and has influenced various schools of thought in China and beyond. Understanding its original language can deepen comprehension of its themes and nuances.