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March 24, 2026
情节(情節)qíngjié(qing2jie2)
情节 (qíngjié) refers to the plot or sequence of events in a story, film, or play. It can also describe the circumstances surrounding a particular situation. The term is commonly used in literary analysis and discussions about narrative structure.
Frequency#4129DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese literature, the concept of 情节 is essential, as many traditional narratives emphasize emotional development and moral lessons, reflecting cultural values. Understanding the 情节 can enhance appreciation for Chinese storytelling techniques.
Memory Tip
Think of 情 (qíng) as 'feeling' or 'emotion' and 节 (jié) as 'section' or 'segment'. Imagining a story's emotional segments helps remember that 情节 is about how emotions unfold in different parts of a narrative.
Meanings of 情节
qíngjié(qing2jie2)
1plot
2circumstances
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 情节
情节Simplified
情節Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#4129Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 情节
Podcast: 情节
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AI Study Notes for 情节
Quick Contrast
情节 (qíngjié) vs 事件 (shìjiàn) — use 情节 when focusing on the narrative structure or plot development, while 事件 refers more broadly to specific events or occurrences.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 情 (qíng) as 'feeling' or 'emotion' and 节 (jié) as 'section' or 'segment'. Imagining a story's emotional segments helps remember that 情节 is about how emotions unfold in different parts of a narrative.
Usage Notes
情节 is often used in both formal and informal contexts when discussing literature or events. Common mistakes include confusing it with 事件 (shìjiàn), which means 'event' rather than 'plot'. Be mindful of the tone; ensure you pronounce the second character (节) with the rising tone.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 情节 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to storytelling and analysis. Focus on how it relates to terms like 故事 (gùshì, story) and 角色 (juésè, character) to build a comprehensive understanding of narrative discussions.
Cultural Note
In Chinese literature, the concept of 情节 is essential, as many traditional narratives emphasize emotional development and moral lessons, reflecting cultural values. Understanding the 情节 can enhance appreciation for Chinese storytelling techniques.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 情节 with 事件 (shìjiàn), mistakenly using 情节 to describe a mere event rather than a plot. For instance, saying '这是一件有趣的情节' (This is an interesting plot) should be corrected to '这是一件有趣的事件' (This is an interesting event).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 情节
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Grammar Patterns of 情节
情节 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
遗憾的是，过于简单的____使得这部电影差强人意。
Sadly, the film is let down by an excessively simple plot.
Example Sentences for 情节 (10)
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1
遗憾的是，过于简单的情节使得这部电影差强人意。
yí hàn de shì， ， guò yú jiǎn dān de qíng jié shǐ dé zhè bù diàn yǐng chà qiáng rén。
Sadly, the film is let down by an excessively simple plot.
2
那故事错综复杂的离奇情节
nà gù shì cuò zōng fù zá de lí qí qíng jié
the bizarre convolutions of the story
3
心理转折使原本老套的故事情节变得生动有趣。
xīn lǐ zhuǎn zhē shǐ yuán běn lǎo tào de gù shì qíng jié biàn dé shēng dòng yǒu qù。
Psychological twists perk up an otherwise predictable story line.
The defendants decide to admit their guilt, but insist that there are extenuating circumstances.
10
通过一系列倒叙展现出了导致谋杀的各个情节。
tōng guò yī xì liè dǎo xù zhǎn xiàn chū le dǎo zhì móu shā de gè gè qíng jié。
The events that led up to the murder were shown in a series of flashbacks.
Cultural Notes for 情节
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese literature, the concept of 情节 is essential, as many traditional narratives emphasize emotional development and moral lessons, reflecting cultural values. Understanding the 情节 can enhance appreciation for Chinese storytelling techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions about 情节
You can say, '这部电影的情节非常紧凑' (The plot of this movie is very tight).
While it's primarily used in literature, 情节 can also refer to the plot in a real-life context or situation.
情节 refers specifically to the plot or narrative arc, while 事件 denotes an event or occurrence that may not have a narrative structure.
