「抒情」一詞出自屈原作品，此詞語在屈賦中的意義和今日所用lyric之譯語的「抒情」，語意相當。屈賦不但為中國的抒情傳統奠下了基礎，也立下了標準。他的作品還反映了戰國中期以後有關「性」、「情」關係的爭辯史，屈原支持一種表現理論的性情論。他的立場和戰國儒家（尤其是子思學派）的觀點較接近，由於他在楚國活動的時間，子思學派的思想在楚都很流行，屈原很自覺地將個人的情感和思想的認知結合在一起，並透過詩歌表達出來。屈賦可視為戰國性情論的結晶，其作品兼具思想史與文學史意義。

The term ”shu qing” [抒情], first found in Chu Yuan's works, can be translated as ”lyric.” It is Chu Yuan who lays the foundation of Chinese lyrics and establish it as a genre. His works reflect the debate on ”Xing” [性] and ”Qing” [情] in the Warring States Period. Chu Yuan himself supports the ”Xing-Qing theory” -one kind of expression theory. His standpoint was close to Confucianism, especially the school of Zi Si [子思] which was very popular in Chu [楚]. Chu Yuan integrates emotions and thoughts in his lyrics, which showcase the ”Xing-Qing theory” create profound impact on Chinese philosophy and literature.