故

• Pinyin: gù
• Hanzi breakdown: 故 = 古 (old, ancient) + 攴 (hand striking) — old event or cause; hence 'reason,' 'therefore,' 'on purpose,' and 'old/former'

Meaning

Therefore; hence; on purpose; deliberately. A classical and formal character serving as a connector meaning 'therefore' or as an adverb meaning 'deliberately.' Also carries meanings of 'old/former' and 'reason/cause' in compounds.

This single character carries multiple meanings rooted in classical Chinese: (1) 'therefore, hence' in formal prose; (2) 'on purpose, deliberately' (as in 故意); (3) 'old, former' (故乡 = hometown; 故人 = old friend); (4) 'cause, reason' (无故 = without cause). In modern usage, the 'therefore' and 'deliberately' senses are most active in formal writing and idioms.

Examples

1. 他明知此举违规，却故意为之，最终受到了应有的处分。 He knew full well this violated the rules, yet did it deliberately, and in the end received the discipline he deserved.
2. 此案证据确凿，故法院作出了有罪判决。 The evidence in this case is conclusive; therefore, the court issued a guilty verdict.
3. 她故作镇定，实则内心早已乱成一团。 She put on a calm front, but inside she was already in complete turmoil.

Usage Guide

Context: classical literature, legal writing, formal prose, idioms, news

Tone: formal

Do Say

• 这份报告逻辑严密，论据充分，故获得了评审委员会的一致认可。(This report is logically rigorous and well-evidenced, and therefore received unanimous recognition from the review committee.)
• 他故意回避核心问题，引发与会者的强烈不满。(He deliberately avoided the core issue, triggering strong displeasure among those present.)

Don't Say

• 在口语中单独用'故'替代'所以' — 故 is a literary and formal connector; in everyday speech use 所以 or 因此 instead

Origin & History

故 = 古 (old, ancient) + 攴 (hand striking). Originally depicted revisiting an old event, conveying the senses of 'reason/cause,' then 'therefore,' and also 'old/former.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated speakers; formal and literary contexts