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March 24, 2026
小说(小說)xiǎoshuō(xiao3shuo1)
小说 (xiǎo shuō) refers to a narrative work of fiction, typically written in prose. It encompasses a variety of genres and styles, often focusing on character development and plot, and is commonly used in both casual and academic contexts when discussing literature.
Strokes12Frequency#2478DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In modern Chinese culture, novels, especially those serialized online, have gained immense popularity, reflecting the evolving landscape of literature and the influence of digital media on reading habits.
Memory Tip
Imagine a small (小, xiǎo) story (说, shuō) that unfolds in your mind as you read. The character 小 resembles a small figure, while 说 hints at storytelling. Together, they form the concept of a 'novel' that transports you to different worlds.
Meanings of 小说
xiǎoshuō(xiao3shuo1)
1novel
2fiction
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 小说
小说Simplified
小說Traditional
12Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2478Frequency Rank
本Measure Word
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 小说
Podcast: 小说
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AI Study Notes for 小说
Quick Contrast
散文 (sǎnwén) vs 小说 (xiǎoshuō): choose 小说 when referring specifically to fictional narratives, while 散文 refers to non-fictional prose or essays.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone markings; the first syllable should be pronounced with a falling tone (xiǎo) and the second with a high level tone (shuō). In informal contexts, people might refer to a novel simply as 书 (shū), meaning 'book', but using 小说 conveys that it is fiction specifically.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 4, students should focus on understanding how 小说 can be used in various contexts, including discussions about literature and personal preferences. Connect it with other HSK 4 vocabulary related to reading and writing to enhance comprehension.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 小说 with 书 (shū) and might mistakenly use them interchangeably, which can lead to misunderstanding. Always use 小说 when specifically referring to a fictional narrative.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 小说
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小说 (xiǎo shuō) refers to a narrative work of fiction, typically written in prose. It encompasses a variety of genres and styles, often focusing on character development and plot, and is commonly used in both casual and academic contexts when discussing literature.
When to use 小说
Be cautious with the tone markings; the first syllable should be pronounced with a falling tone (xiǎo) and the second with a high level tone (shuō). In informal contexts, people might refer to a novel simply as 书 (shū), meaning 'book', but using 小说 conveys that it is fiction specifically.
小说 or something close to it
散文 (sǎnwén) vs 小说 (xiǎoshuō): choose 小说 when referring specifically to fictional narratives, while 散文 refers to non-fictional prose or essays.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 小说 with 书 (shū) and might mistakenly use them interchangeably, which can lead to misunderstanding. Always use 小说 when specifically referring to a fictional narrative.
Write 小说
小
说
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Grammar Patterns of 小说
小说 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 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.
