HSK 7, vg, 8 strokes, radical 辶, rank #10149, Hard
述
shù
to tell
HSK 7, vg, 8 strokes, radical 辶, rank #10149, Hard
述
shù
to narrate
HSK 7, vg, 8 strokes, radical 辶, rank #10149, Hard
述
shù
to relate
HSK 7, vg, 8 strokes, radical 辶, rank #10149, Hard
述
shù
to express, to state; to narrate, to tell
HSK 7, vg, 8 strokes, radical 辶, rank #10149, Hard
shù(shu4) T4
1to state
2to tell
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March 24, 2026
述shù(shu4)
The character 述 (shù) means to state, tell, or narrate something. It is often used in contexts where one is expressing information, recounting events, or providing details about a topic. This character is frequently found in formal writing and academic discourse.
Strokes8Radical辶Frequency#10149DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of narration is highly valued, particularly in storytelling traditions like '说书' (shuō shū), where oral storytelling is an art form. The character 述 embodies the importance of sharing experiences and knowledge.
Memory Tip
Imagine telling a story to a group of friends, where you 'shoo' away distractions to focus on your narration. The character 述 has a radical that suggests action (言, relating to speech) combined with the character for 'to express' (述), reinforcing the idea of conveying information.
Meanings of 述
shù(shu4)
1to state
2to tell
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 述
述Simplified
8Strokes
辶Radical
动语素dòngcíverb root (v.root)Part of Speech
#10149Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7
Podcast: 述
Podcast: 述
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AI Study Notes for 述
Quick Contrast
叙 (xù) vs 述 (shù): Use 述 (shù) for formal expression of information, while 叙 (xù) often implies a more narrative or descriptive recounting.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine telling a story to a group of friends, where you 'shoo' away distractions to focus on your narration. The character 述 has a radical that suggests action (言, relating to speech) combined with the character for 'to express' (述), reinforcing the idea of conveying information.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 述 with similar verbs like 说 (shuō, to speak) or 告诉 (gàosù, to tell), which have slight differences in nuance. 述 is more formal and often used in written contexts. Be cautious with the tone; it is pronounced with a falling tone (shù).
HSK Study Tips
Although 述 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it connects to other HSK words related to communication and expression. Students should focus on its usage in sentences where narration or stating facts are involved.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of narration is highly valued, particularly in storytelling traditions like '说书' (shuō shū), where oral storytelling is an art form. The character 述 embodies the importance of sharing experiences and knowledge.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 述 with 说, using it in informal contexts where 说 would be more appropriate. For example, saying '我述他' (Wǒ shù tā) is incorrect; it should be '我说他' (Wǒ shuō tā).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 述
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Practice writing 述 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 述
述 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
A Wall Street Journal editorial encapsulated the views of many conservatives.
7
他接受采访时阐述了持乐观态度的理由。
tā jiē shòu cǎi fǎng shí chǎn shù le chí lè guān tài dù de lǐ yóu。
In the interview he gave some grounds for optimism.
8
他详细描述了那个灾难性夜晚所发生的事。
tā xiáng xì miáo shù le nà gè zāi nán xìng yè wǎn suǒ fā shēng de shì。
He gave a detailed account of what happened on the fateful night.
9
他在大会发言中作了更进一步的阐述。
tā zài dà huì fā yán zhōng zuò le gēng jìn yī bù de chǎn shù。
He went even further in his speech to the conference.
10
我在讲述这个故事时加入了新的素材。
wǒ zài jiǎng shù zhè gè gù shì shí jiā rù le xīn de sù cái。
In my version of the story, I added some new material.
Cultural Notes for 述
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the act of narration is highly valued, particularly in storytelling traditions like '说书' (shuō shū), where oral storytelling is an art form. The character 述 embodies the importance of sharing experiences and knowledge.
Word Family of 述
Compounds1
蒁
Words Containing This Character20
描述miáoshùto describe
上述shàngshùaforementioned
讲述jiǎngshùto talk about講述
陈述chénshùan assertion陳述
述shùto state
叙述xùshùto recount敘述
阐述chǎnshùto expound (a position)闡述
表述biǎoshùto formulate
论述lùnshùtreatise論述
口述to dictate
复述to repeat (one's own words or sb else's)複述
记述to write an account (of events)記述
述说to recount述說
综述to sum up綜述
引述to quote
概述overview
前述aforestated
评述to comment on評述
转述to relate轉述
自述autobiography
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 描述 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 述
You can use 述 to describe recounting an event, for example, '他述说了他的经历' (Tā shùshuōle tā de jīnglì) meaning 'He narrated his experience.'
Yes, 述 is generally considered more formal and is often used in written contexts or formal speeches, while 说 is more casual.
While it can be used, it may sound too formal for everyday conversation. It's better suited for written or formal communications.
