storytelling formula; narrate
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesverb
storytelling formula; 'it is said that' (traditional opening in novels)
literaryUsed at the beginning of chapters in classical Chinese novels to introduce a story or historical context. Often followed by the time setting.
Huà话
shuō说
tiān天
xià下
dà大
shì势
，
fēn分
jiǔ久
bì必
hé合
，
hé合
jiǔ久
bì必
fēn分
。
It is said that the empire, long divided, must unite; long united, must divide.
Huà话
shuō说
táng唐
cháo朝
zhēn贞
guān观
nián年
jiān间
，
Cháng长
ān安
chéng城
nèi内
yǒu有
yī一
shū书
shēng生
。
It is said that during the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty, there was a scholar in Chang'an city.
verb
to narrate; to tell; to speak about
Often used in titles of documentaries, books, or programs to indicate a narrative about a specific subject. Can also be used in conversation to shift topics.
Zhè这
bù部
jì纪
lù录
piàn片
《
Huà话
shuō说
Cháng长
Jiāng江
》
pāi拍
shè摄
yú于
yī1
jiǔ9
bā8
sān3
nián年
。
This documentary 'Stories of the Yangtze' was filmed in 1983.
Tīng听
lǎo老
rén人
jiā家
huà话
shuō说
guò过
wǎng往
de的
suì岁
yuè月
，
wǒ我
men们
shēn深
shòu受
gǎn感
dòng动
。
Listening to the elderly tell of past years, we were deeply moved.
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Huà话
shuō说
huí回
lái来
，
wǒ我
men们
hái还
shì是
yào要
miàn面
duì对
xiàn现
shí实
。
That being said, we still have to face reality.