起承転結(きしょうてんけつ)

きしょうてんけつ
noun
narrative structure (introduction, development, twist, conclusion)
1. four-part narrative structure
A traditional East Asian narrative structure consisting of four parts: 起(き) (introduction), 承(しょう) (development), 転(てん) (twist/turn), and 結(けつ) (conclusion). Used in storytelling, essays, and presentations.
この小説(しょうせつ)は起承転結(きしょうてんけつ)がしっかりしている。
This novel has a well-structured narrative.
プレゼンテーションは起承転結(きしょうてんけつ)を意識(いしき)して組(く)み立(た)てよう。
Let's structure the presentation with the four-part narrative in mind.
話(はなし)に起承転結(きしょうてんけつ)がないと分(わ)かりにくい。
Without proper narrative structure, a story is hard to follow.

FOUR PARTS EXPLAINED:

  • 起(き): Introduction - Sets up the scene and characters
  • 承(しょう): Development - Expands on the introduction
  • 転(てん): Twist/Turn - An unexpected change or development
  • 結(けつ): Conclusion - Resolution and ending

ORIGIN:
Originated from Chinese poetry composition rules for four-line verses.

USAGE:
Used in literature, business presentations, essay writing, and general storytelling. It's taught in Japanese schools as a fundamental narrative framework.

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 起承転結(きしょうてんけつ)がある: has good structure
  • 起承転結(きしょうてんけつ)を踏(ふ)まえる: to follow the four-part structure
general
Added 2026.1.17 2:23 · Revised 2026.6.9 12:35
05500/05945_kishoutenketsu