故事 gùshi story
story; tale
How to remember 故事: 故 former + 事 matter = story.
Characters
How it is used
- A story or tale - 讲故事 (jiǎng gùshi) tell a story; 一个有趣的故事 (yí gè yǒuqù de gùshi) an interesting story.
- For a story you tell/read (fictional or narrated). Contrast 小说 (xiǎoshuō, a novel) and 新闻 (xīnwén, news): 故事 is the narrative itself.
- Second syllable neutral tone (gùshi). 故 here means 'past/old' → literally 'past affairs'.
Example sentences
- 她们看的故事书很热门。 Tāmen kàn de gùshishū hěn rèmén.The story books they read are very popular.
- 那个爱情故事很浪漫。 Nàge àiqíng gùshi hěn làngmàn.That love story is romantic.
- 这个故事真有趣呀。 Zhège gùshi zhēn yǒuqù ya.This story is really interesting.