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虚构
xū gòu
to fabricate
这部小说中的情节都是虚构的。
The plot of this novel is entirely fabricated.
formal
to invent or create something that does not exist in reality
作家虚构了一个动人的爱情故事。
The writer fabricated a touching love story.
这部电影的情节完全是虚构的。
The plot of this movie is entirely fictional.
Often used in literature, film, and storytelling contexts to describe invented narratives or scenarios.
formal
fictional or imaginary
这是一个虚构的世界，里面的生物并不存在。
This is a fictional world where the creatures do not exist.
Used as an adjective to describe something that is not real.
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with '虚假' (false) or '假设' (hypothesis)
'虚构' specifically refers to the act of creating something fictional or invented, while '虚假' means 'false' or 'deceptive,' and '假设' means 'hypothesis' or 'assumption.'
Gold Rule
Use '虚构' for creative works
Use '虚构' when describing the creation of fictional narratives, characters, or plots in literature, film, or other artistic mediums.
Word Origin
The word '虚构' (xū gòu) is composed of two Chinese characters: '虚' (xū), meaning 'empty' or 'false,' and '构' (gòu), meaning 'to construct' or 'to form.' Together, they convey the idea of constructing something false or imaginary.
Usage Notes
Use '虚构' to describe the act of creating something fictional or imaginary, especially in creative works like novels, films, or plays. It is a formal term and is not typically used in casual conversation.
Word Breakdown
虚
empty, false
root构
to construct, to form
root汉英词典