神话

• Pinyin: shén huà
• Hanzi breakdown: 神 = 礻(spirit/altar) + 申 (extend/lightning) — divine spirit; 话 = 讠(speech) + 舌 (tongue) — story, speech

Meaning

Myth; mythology; legend. Traditional stories involving gods, heroes, or supernatural events.

Covers the genre of mythology (中国神话, 希腊神话) and individual myths. Also used figuratively for seemingly impossible achievements — 创造了一个神话 (created a legend). Chinese mythology includes stories of 女娲, 盘古, and 嫦娥.

Examples

1. 中国有很多有趣的古代神话故事。 China has many interesting ancient myths.
2. 他在商业上创造了一个神话。 He has created a legend in the business world.
3. 小时候我最喜欢听妈妈讲神话。 As a child, I loved listening to Mum tell myths the most.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, culture, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 你知道嫦娥奔月的神话吗？(Do you know the myth of Chang'e flying to the moon?)
• 他的成功简直是一个神话。(His success is practically a legend.)

Don't Say

• 这是一个真实的神话 meaning 'this is a true myth' (神话 are by definition legendary or fictional — for a remarkable true story, say 传奇 instead)

Origin & History

Compound of 神 (god, spirit) and 话 (speech, story) — stories of the gods.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal