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述 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
述
shù
to state
HSK 7, vg, 8 strokes, radical 辶, rank #10149, Very Hard
述
shù
to tell
HSK 7, vg, 8 strokes, radical 辶, rank #10149, Very Hard
述
shù
to narrate
HSK 7, vg, 8 strokes, radical 辶, rank #10149, Very Hard
述
shù
to relate
HSK 7, vg, 8 strokes, radical 辶, rank #10149, Very Hard
述
shù
to express, to state; to narrate, to tell
HSK 7, vg, 8 strokes, radical 辶, rank #10149, Very Hard
shù(shu4)shu 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#10149DifficultyVery Hard
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
By ear
Play it, then pick what 述 means.
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.
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.
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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Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 述 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
述 = 辶 + 术. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 述
IDS Structure⿺辶术
述Full character
=
辶chuo4
enclosing
术shu4
inner
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 述?
How to say to state in Chinese
“to state” in Chinese is述shù
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.
When to use 述
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).
述 or something close to it
叙 (xù) vs 述 (shù): Use 述 (shù) for formal expression of information, while 叙 (xù) often implies a more narrative or descriptive recounting.
What learners get wrong
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).
Write 述
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.
