Meaning and Usage
The character '故' primarily means 'reason' or 'cause' and is often used in formal or literary contexts to indicate the cause of something. It can also mean 'deliberately' or 'intentionally' when used as an adverb (故意). Additionally, it appears in compounds related to 'hometown' or 'the past' (e.g., 故乡).
Common Collocations
- 故意 (gùyì): deliberately, intentionally — used when someone does something on purpose.
- 故障 (gùzhàng): malfunction, breakdown — refers to a failure or defect causing problems.
- 故乡 (gùxiāng): hometown — the place where one was born or grew up.
Usage Notes
When '故' is used alone to mean 'reason' or 'cause,' it is often found in formal or written Chinese, such as legal or academic texts. In everyday speech, people usually use other words like 原因 (yuányīn) for 'cause.'
As an adverb in 故意, it conveys intentionality and is important to distinguish from accidental actions. Also, '故' in compounds related to the past or hometown carries a nostalgic or historical nuance.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse '故' with '古' (gǔ), which means 'ancient' or 'old.' Although they sound similar, their meanings and uses differ significantly.
Meaning and Usage
The character '故' primarily means 'reason' or 'cause' and is often used in formal or literary contexts to indicate the cause of something. It can also mean 'deliberately' or 'intentionally' when used as an adverb (故意). Additionally, it appears in compounds related to 'hometown' or 'the past' (e.g., 故乡).
Common Collocations
- 故意 (gùyì): deliberately, intentionally — used when someone does something on purpose.
- 故障 (gùzhàng): malfunction, breakdown — refers to a failure or defect causing problems.
- 故乡 (gùxiāng): hometown — the place where one was born or grew up.
Usage Notes
When '故' is used alone to mean 'reason' or 'cause,' it is often found in formal or written Chinese, such as legal or academic texts. In everyday speech, people usually use other words like 原因 (yuányīn) for 'cause.'
As an adverb in 故意, it conveys intentionality and is important to distinguish from accidental actions. Also, '故' in compounds related to the past or hometown carries a nostalgic or historical nuance.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse '故' with '古' (gǔ), which means 'ancient' or 'old.' Although they sound similar, their meanings and uses differ significantly.
Meaning and Usage
The character '故' primarily means 'reason' or 'cause' and is often used in formal or literary contexts to indicate the cause of something. It can also mean 'deliberately' or 'intentionally' when used as an adverb (故意). Additionally, it appears in compounds related to 'hometown' or 'the past' (e.g., 故乡).
Common Collocations
- 故意 (gùyì): deliberately, intentionally — used when someone does something on purpose.
- 故障 (gùzhàng): malfunction, breakdown — refers to a failure or defect causing problems.
- 故乡 (gùxiāng): hometown — the place where one was born or grew up.
Usage Notes
When '故' is used alone to mean 'reason' or 'cause,' it is often found in formal or written Chinese, such as legal or academic texts. In everyday speech, people usually use other words like 原因 (yuányīn) for 'cause.'
As an adverb in 故意, it conveys intentionality and is important to distinguish from accidental actions. Also, '故' in compounds related to the past or hometown carries a nostalgic or historical nuance.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse '故' with '古' (gǔ), which means 'ancient' or 'old.' Although they sound similar, their meanings and uses differ significantly.