叙 xù to express
to express; to state; to relate; to narrate
How to remember 叙: 余 surplus + 又 again = to express. With a surplus of emotion, the bride's shy brother stands up again, hand on his heart, to express his love for her.
Component breakdown
叙 = 余 surplus + 又 again
- 余 surplus
- 又 again
With a surplus of emotion, the bride's shy brother stands up again, hand on his heart, to express his love for her.
How it is used
- To narrate/recount - 叙述 (xùshù) to relate, 叙事 (xùshì) narrative.
- Also 'to chat, catch up': 叙旧 (xùjiù) reminisce with old friends over a get-together.
- Written register; 叙述 is the neutral word for telling a sequence of events, vs 描写 (miáoxiě) which paints a scene.