故

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

含义

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.

例句

1. 他明知此举违规，却故意为之，最终受到了应有的处分。
2. 此案证据确凿，故法院作出了有罪判决。
3. 她故作镇定，实则内心早已乱成一团。

用法指南

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

语气: formal

正确说法

• 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.)

错误说法

• 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

起源与历史

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.'

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Educated speakers; formal and literary contexts