叙 (xù) - to narrate, to recount, to talk, to converse & also used in words related to description and

叙Tone 4

xù ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical:

信嫣

叙 · xù

to narrate, to recount, to talk, to converse;

also used in words related to description and order/sequence.

to narrate, to recount, to talk, to conversealso used in words related to description and

Usage highlights

to narrateto chatreminiscing about old timesdescriptionpreface or introductory remarksto record

Synonyms

  • 述— to state, to relate, to narrate
  • 说— to speak, to say
  • 谈— to talk, to discuss

Antonyms

  • 默— silent, taciturn
  • 静— quiet, still

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He narrated his travel experiences (叙述他的旅行经历).
  • We had a pleasant chat (我们愉快地叙谈).
  • The book describes ancient customs (这本书叙述古代习俗).
  • They reminisced about old times (他们叙旧).

Collocations

  • to narrate(叙述)
  • to chat(叙谈)
  • reminiscing about old times(叙旧)
  • description(叙说)
  • preface or introductory remarks(序叙)
  • to record(记叙)

Idioms

  • Plain narration without literary embellishment(平铺直叙)
  • Chatting about everyday matters(叙家常)
  • Narrating events and reasoning(叙事说理)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • 叙 carries connotations of orderly recounting and conversation, reflecting the value placed on clear communication and storytelling in Chinese culture.
  • In literary contexts, 叙 is associated with exposition and narrative structure, essential components of classical and modern writing.
  • The character's usage in terms like 叙旧 highlights the cultural importance of maintaining social bonds through shared reminiscence.

FAQ