艰哉何巍巍。
The upward trek is harsh when we march forth.
羊肠坂诘屈，
The rough meandering footpaths twist and turn;
车轮为之摧。
The wheel breakdowns bring us grave concern.
树木何萧瑟，
Before my eyes, the towering trees are moaning;
北风声正悲。
Above my head, the northern wind is groaning.
熊黑对我蹲，
Bears large and small squat upon the trail;
虎豹夹路啼。
Meanwhile tigers and leopards howl and wail.
溪谷少人民，
Few people go into the deepest vales
雪落何霏霏。
When heavy snows enshroud the frozen dales.
延颈长叹息，
At this sight, I heave an enormous sigh
远行多所怀。
Now that I know what zigzag treks imply.
我心何悌郁？
Why am I in such a downcast mood?
思欲一东归。
About my journey home is what I brood.
水深桥梁绝，
When we face a river and no bridge is found,
中路正徘徊。
We have to stop halfway and move around.
迷惑失故路，
As we have moved around and lost our way,
薄暮无宿栖。
Night will fall and we have nowhere to stay.
行行日已远，
The farther in the mountains we go,
人马同时饥。
The more hungry men and horses grow.
担囊行取薪，
The soldiers cut firewood from the trees