故事
gùshi
The Chinese word for story is 故事 (gùshi).
故事 refers to a narrative or an account of events. While it can be used broadly, more specific terms exist for certain types of narratives: 传说 is used specifically for a legend or myth and 小说 is the term for a novel or fiction.
Meaning: account of events (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 故事 is composed of 故 (gù), meaning 'old' or 'past' and 事 (shi), meaning 'matter' or 'event'.
Which one should you use?
故事 refers to a narrative or tale, whereas 事情 refers to a factual matter, affair or incident.
How does it change in a sentence?
When counting stories, you must use the measure word 个 (gè) between the number and the noun, such as in 一个故事 (one story).
How do you pronounce it?
gùshi
Did you know?
- The word for novel, 小说 (xiǎoshuō), literally translates to 'small talk' or 'small speech', distinguishing written fiction from the broader category of 故事.
- When someone is 'telling a story' to excuse a mistake, they might use 编故事 (biān gùshì), where 编 means 'to weave' or 'to knit'.
- While 故事 describes a narrative, the term 故事感 (gùshì gǎn) is used in photography and film to describe a visual that feels like it has a deep, untold back story.
Examples in context
- 我想听个故事！I want to hear a story!This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to hear a story using the word 故事.Tatoeba #13931484 by jan_OkulaJu, translation #4829399 by Hybrid
- 这个故事是真的。This story is true.This sentence is useful for describing a story as being true using the word 故事.Tatoeba #1749767 by sadhen, translation #57256 by CK
- 谁写了这个故事？Who wrote this story?This sentence is useful for asking who wrote a story using the word 故事.Tatoeba #4764647 by ryanwoo, translation #4764618 by Stalwartlover
- 105 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yuting and Zhiqiang are talking about a book in a cafe.
- 雨婷 Yuting这个故事很感人。Zhège gùshì hěn gǎnrén.This story is very touching.
- 志强 Zhiqiang我也觉得那个故事很精彩。Wǒ yě juéde nàge gùshì hěn jīngcǎi.I also think that story is wonderful.
- 雨婷 Yuting你还记得故事的结局吗？Nǐ hái jìde gùshì de jiéjú ma?Do you still remember the ending of the story?
- 志强 Zhiqiang记得，那是很棒的故事。Jìde, nà shì hěn bàng de gùshì.I remember, it was a great story.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “story” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
