1. The way to distinguish between the level and the oblique: look at the last word of the couplet. The last word in the upper couplet is three tones and four tones (flat tone), and the last word in the lower couplet is one tone and two tones (flat tone).
2. Distinction of pasting method: the requirement for writing couplets is that the upper couplet is on the right and the lower couplet is on the left. Because ancient people wrote from right to left. This method is difficult to distinguish from the antithetical couplets, because many people don't know about it and paste it casually. So it is easy to identify errors.
3. Method difference: Each couplet has its own specific meaning. When writing antithetical couplets, they generally regard the profound meaning as the lower couplet, and the value of the upper couplet is more in the role of guidance. The upper link is basically a causal relationship, because it is the upper link and the fruit is the lower link.
4. Time distinction: the old time is in front of the couplet, and the new time is behind the couplet. This is generally reflected in the Spring Festival couplets. Commonly used are the zodiac sign and saying goodbye to the old year/welcoming the new year.
5. Range identification: generally, small range is the upper link, and large range is the lower link.
6. Writing distinction: couplets are usually written vertically, the last word of the first couplet (read) is on the right (start), and the last word of the second couplet (couple) is on the left (start). The antithesis of couplets, though similar to poetry, is stricter than poetry. There are wide couplets and narrow couplets. The wide range only requires that the content linked up and down can be linked, while the narrow range should be written in strict accordance with the standard of Liweng Duyun.
7. However, in practical couplets, wide couplets are often used, while narrow couplets are seldom used, because the antithesis is too strict and constrains people's thinking, which is detrimental to their meaning.
