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March 24, 2026
神话(神話)shénhuà(shen2hua4)
神话 (shén huà) refers to a genre of traditional stories that explain natural phenomena, cultural practices, or beliefs through supernatural events and characters. These myths often serve to convey moral lessons or cultural values, and are commonly used in literature, art, and religious contexts.
Frequency#5525DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 神话 includes stories of deities from Taoism and Buddhism, such as the Monkey King from the classic novel 'Journey to the West'. These tales are integral to understanding Chinese values and beliefs.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'shen' (神) who tells 'hua' (话) – stories of gods and heroes. Picture this shen wearing a mythical costume, weaving tales under a starlit sky, where each star represents a different legend or fairy tale.
Meanings of 神话
shénhuà(shen2hua4)
1legend
2fairy tale
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 神话
神话Simplified
神話Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#5525Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 神话
Podcast: 神话
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AI Study Notes for 神话
Quick Contrast
传说 (chuánshuō) - choose 神话 when referring to myths with supernatural elements, while 传说 is more about legends that may not involve the divine.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'shen' (神) who tells 'hua' (话) – stories of gods and heroes. Picture this shen wearing a mythical costume, weaving tales under a starlit sky, where each star represents a different legend or fairy tale.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 神话 with other terms like 传说 (chuán shuō), which specifically refers to folklore. While 神话 can carry a more formal tone, it is often used in both written and spoken contexts, particularly in discussions about culture and literature.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 神话 connects to other cultural words like 文化 (wén huà) and 传统 (chuán tǒng). Focus on its usage in sentences that discuss cultural narratives or when comparing myths from different cultures.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 神话 includes stories of deities from Taoism and Buddhism, such as the Monkey King from the classic novel 'Journey to the West'. These tales are integral to understanding Chinese values and beliefs.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 神话 with 梦话 (mèng huà), which means 'talking in one's sleep'. Remember that 神话 involves stories and myths, whereas 梦话 is about sleep talk.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 神话
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Grammar Patterns of 神话
神话 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 4 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
有关那喀索斯的____故事在奥维德的作品中有过描述。
The myth of Narcissus is described in Ovid's work.
Example Sentences for 神话 (7)
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1
有关那喀索斯的神话故事在奥维德的作品中有过描述。
yǒu guān nà kā suǒ sī de shén huà gù shì zài ào wéi dé de zuò pǐn zhōng yǒu guò miáo shù。
The myth of Narcissus is described in Ovid's work.
2
在斯堪的纳维亚神话里，月亮被赋予了男性身份。
zài sī kān de nà wéi yà shén huà lǐ， ， yuè liàng bèi fù yú le nán xìng shēn。
In Norse mythology the moon is personified as male.
The course is about fable and legend in modern literature.
6
他说的听上去简直像一篇神话.
tā shuō de tīng shàng qù jiǎn zhí xiàng yī piān shén huà.
What he said sounded like a fairy tale.
7
他为儿童们编了一册爱尔兰神话故事.
tā wéi ér tóng mén biān le yī cè ài ěr lán shén huà gù shì.
He edited a volume of Irish Fairy Tales for children.
Cultural Notes for 神话
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, 神话 includes stories of deities from Taoism and Buddhism, such as the Monkey King from the classic novel 'Journey to the West'. These tales are integral to understanding Chinese values and beliefs.
Frequently Asked Questions about 神话
神话 refers specifically to myths involving gods and supernatural events, while 传说 deals with legends and folktales that may not involve deities.
Yes, it can be used informally when discussing stories or cultural references, but it is also appropriate in academic contexts.
Yes, many modern films, novels, and artworks draw inspiration from traditional myths, reinterpreting them for contemporary audiences.
