故事

gù shì/
gù shi
HSK 2Noun (名)

Basic Meaning

n
This is a formal and somewhat literary usage, often found in classical Chinese expressions like 虚应故事.
old practice; established routine; matter of routine.
旧日的行事制度；例行的事。
Words:
虚应故事奉行故事
Synonyms:
轶事典故往事
Sentences:
  1. 他(tā)们(men)的(de)改(gǎi)革(gé)并(bìng)非(fēi)虚(xū)应(yìng)故(gù)事(shì)，而(ér)是(shì)动(dòng)了(le)真(zhēn)格(gé)。
    Their reforms were not just going through the motions; they were serious about it.
  2. 这(zhè)项(xiàng)检(jiǎn)查(chá)不(bù)能(néng)只(zhǐ)是(shì)奉(fèng)行(xíng)故(gù)事(shì)，必(bì)须(xū)认(rèn)真(zhēn)对(duì)待(dài)。
    This inspection cannot be merely a formality; it must be taken seriously.

Characters Breakdown

HSK 2
gù故

reason; cause; former; old

HSK 1
shì事

matter; affair; thing