情节

• Pinyin: qíng jié
• Hanzi breakdown: 情 = 忄(heart) + 青, feeling/circumstance; 节 = 艹+ 即, section/detail

Meaning

Plot; storyline; circumstances. The sequence of events in a story, or details of a situation.

In literature/film: 故事情节 (story plot), 情节曲折 (twisting plot). In legal contexts: 情节严重/轻微 (serious/minor circumstances). 情节 can determine sentencing in law.

Examples

1. 这部小说的情节非常曲折。 This novel has a very intricate plot.
2. 案件的情节还在进一步调查中。 The circumstances of the case are still under investigation.
3. 电影的情节虽然简单，但很感人。 Although the movie's plot is simple, it's very touching.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, film, legal

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 别剧透情节！(Don't spoil the plot!)
• 根据情节轻重量刑。(Sentencing based on the severity of circumstances.)

Don't Say

• 这首歌的情节很好。(Songs don't have plots — use 歌词/旋律)

Origin & History

情 (qíng, feeling/situation) + 节 (jié, section/detail). The sections/details of a situation or story.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal