Dictionary
English - Japanese
Story
ˈstɔri
Extremely common
500 - 600
500 - 600
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
物語 (ものがたり), 話 (はなし), 階 (かい), 伝説 (でんせつ), ニュース (にゅーす)
Story meanings in Japanese
物語 (ものがたり)
Example:
She told me a fascinating story about her travels.
彼女は彼女の旅行についての魅力的な物語を教えてくれました。
The story of the hero's journey is timeless.
英雄の旅の物語は時代を超えたものです。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in literature, storytelling, and casual conversations.
Note: 物語 is often used for narratives in literature, folklore, and fiction.
話 (はなし)
Example:
Let me tell you a story about my childhood.
私の子供時代の話をしましょう。
He has a funny story to share.
彼は面白い話を共有したがっています。
Usage: informalContext: Used in casual conversations and anecdotes.
Note: 話 can refer to any kind of story, including personal anecdotes.
階 (かい)
Example:
The building has three stories.
その建物は三階建てです。
She lives on the top story of the apartment.
彼女はアパートの最上階に住んでいます。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in architectural descriptions and discussions about buildings.
Note: 階 refers specifically to levels or floors in a building.
伝説 (でんせつ)
Example:
This is the story of a legendary hero.
これは伝説の英雄の物語です。
Many stories are passed down through generations.
多くの伝説は世代を超えて受け継がれています。
Usage: formalContext: Used in cultural discussions, literature, and mythology.
Note: 伝説 is typically used for stories that have mythological or historical significance.
ニュース (にゅーす)
Example:
Did you hear the story about the new law?
新しい法律についてのニュースを聞きましたか？
This story was featured on the front page.
このニュースは一面に掲載されました。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in journalism and discussions about current events.
Note: ニュース can refer to news stories or reports in media.
Story's synonyms
tale
A tale is a narrative that may be true or fictional, often involving characters and events.
Example: She told a fascinating tale about her adventures in the jungle.
Note: Tale is often used in a more informal or literary context compared to 'story'.
narrative
A narrative is a story or account of events, experiences, or the like, whether true or fictitious.
Example: The book provides a gripping narrative of the protagonist's journey.
Note: Narrative tends to emphasize the structure and development of a story.
account
An account is a detailed description or report of an event or situation.
Example: He gave a detailed account of what happened at the meeting.
Note: Account often implies a factual or objective retelling of events.
fable
A fable is a short story, typically with animals as characters, conveying a moral lesson.
Example: The story of 'The Tortoise and the Hare' is a famous fable with a moral lesson.
Note: Fable specifically refers to a story with a moral or lesson embedded within it.
legend
A legend is a traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but unauthenticated.
Example: The legend of King Arthur has been passed down through generations.
Note: Legend often involves mythical or heroic figures and is associated with folklore and tradition.
Story expressions, common phrases
Once upon a time
This phrase is commonly used to begin fairy tales or stories set in the past.
Example: Once upon a time, there was a young princess who lived in a faraway kingdom.
Note: It is a traditional way to introduce a story and is not directly related to the word 'story.'
A tall tale
Refers to a story that is greatly exaggerated or unbelievable.
Example: He spun a tall tale about how he caught a fish as big as a boat.
Note: It emphasizes the exaggeration or incredibility of the story rather than the actual narrative itself.
Twist in the tale
Describes an unexpected or surprising development in a story.
Example: The movie had a massive twist in the tale that left everyone shocked.
Note: It focuses on a specific surprising element within the story rather than the story as a whole.
Bedtime story
A story told to a child before they go to sleep.
Example: She read her daughter a bedtime story before tucking her into bed.
Note: It specifically refers to a story told before bedtime to help someone relax or fall asleep.
Old wives' tale
A traditional belief or superstition that is often untrue or based on superstition.
Example: Don't believe that old wives' tale about eating carrots improving your eyesight.
Note: While a 'tale' is a story, an 'old wives' tale' refers to a specific type of folklore or superstition.
Story of my life
Used humorously to express that a situation or experience is typical or expected for someone.
Example: I missed the bus again today, story of my life!
Note: It is an idiomatic expression and not directly related to narrating a story.
Sob story
A sad or pitiful story, often exaggerated or used to gain sympathy.
Example: He tried to guilt-trip me with his sob story about losing his job.
Note: It refers to a particular type of emotionally manipulative story rather than a neutral narrative.
Story everyday (slang) expressions
Plot twist
A sudden and unexpected change or development in a story that alters the overall direction or outcome.
Example: The movie had a huge plot twist that completely shocked the audience.
Note: While 'plot twist' still relates to the structure of a story, it is more specific and emphasizes a surprising revelation or turn of events.
Make up
To invent or fabricate a story, often with the intention of deceiving others.
Example: She told me a make-up story about why she was late, but I knew the truth.
Note: This term refers to creating a story that is not true, contrasting with 'story' which can be a true account.
The whole nine yards
To give all the details or the full story about something.
Example: He told me the whole nine yards about his trip to Europe, from start to finish.
Note: While 'the whole nine yards' can pertain to a story, it focuses more on providing complete information rather than just a narrative.
Drama
Exaggerated or sensational aspects of a story or situation that may involve conflicts, emotions, or excitement.
Example: I can't believe all the drama that unfolded in that story; it's like a soap opera!
Note: This term often implies that the story is filled with exaggerated emotions or actions, distinguishing it from a straightforward narrative.
Scandal
A story or event that involves shocking or immoral behavior, often with consequences or public attention.
Example: The scandal in the story rocked the community and made front-page news.
Note: Unlike a regular story, a 'scandal' involves controversy or immorality, sparking public interest or outrage.
Urban legend
A modern folklore story that is commonly believed but lacks evidence to prove its authenticity.
Example: That spooky story is just an urban legend, passed down from generation to generation.
Note: This term specifically refers to a type of story—often of mysterious or supernatural nature—that is widely circulated as true but unverified.
411
Information or details about a particular situation or story.
Example: Give me the 411 on what happened last night; I heard there's a story behind it.
Note: Rather than focusing solely on storytelling, '411' emphasizes the exchange of information or gossip related to a story.
Story - Examples
The story he told was so captivating.
She loves to read stories before going to bed.
He always has an interesting story to tell.
Story grammar
Story - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: story
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): stories
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): story
Syllables, Separation and Stress
story Contains 2 syllables: sto • ry
Phonetic transcription: ˈstȯr-ē
sto ry , ˈstȯr ē (The red syllable is stressed)
Story - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
story: 500 - 600 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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