Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
形xíng(xing2)
The character 形 (xíng) refers to the form or shape of an object and can also mean to appear or look in a certain way. It is commonly used in contexts related to physical appearance, descriptions, and even abstract forms, such as ideas or styles.
Strokes7Radical彡Frequency#3193DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of shape and form is essential in art and philosophy, particularly in practices like Feng Shui, where the arrangement and appearance of objects are believed to affect harmony and energy flow.
Memory Tip
Imagine a figure (形) standing in a shape, perhaps an artist sketching different forms. The left part of the character resembles a person (亻), and the right part (形) suggests a distinct outline or shape, helping you remember that it relates to appearance.
Meanings of 形
xíng(xing2)
1to appear
2to look
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 形
形Simplified
7Strokes
彡Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3193Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 形
Podcast: 形
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 形
Quick Contrast
形 (xíng) vs 状 (zhuàng) — use 形 when referring to the general form or appearance, while 状 is more specific to the state or condition of something.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a figure (形) standing in a shape, perhaps an artist sketching different forms. The left part of the character resembles a person (亻), and the right part (形) suggests a distinct outline or shape, helping you remember that it relates to appearance.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the context when using 形; it can refer to both physical and abstract concepts. Common collocations include 形状 (xíngzhuàng, shape) and 形式 (xíngshì, form or format). Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words that have different meanings.
HSK Study Tips
While 形 is not part of HSK vocabulary, it connects with other HSK words like 形式 (form) and 形状 (shape). Focus on recognizing how it modifies nouns to express physical characteristics.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of shape and form is essential in art and philosophy, particularly in practices like Feng Shui, where the arrangement and appearance of objects are believed to affect harmony and energy flow.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 形 with similar characters like 型 (xíng, model/type). For instance, saying '我喜欢这个型' (Wǒ xǐhuān zhège xíng) instead of '我喜欢这个形' (Wǒ xǐhuān zhège xíng) can change the meaning to an incorrect context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 形
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 形 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 形 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 形
形 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
The shirt's cuffs won't sag and lose their shape after washing.
Cultural Notes for 形
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of shape and form is essential in art and philosophy, particularly in practices like Feng Shui, where the arrangement and appearance of objects are believed to affect harmony and energy flow.
Word Family of 形
Words Containing This Character20
形成xíngchéngto form
形象xíngxiàngimage
形式xíngshìform
形xíngform
形势xíngshìcircumstances形勢
形容xíngróngto describe
情形qíngxingcircumstances
形状xíngzhuàngform形狀
变形biànxíngdeformation變形
隐形yǐnxínginvisible隱形
形态xíngtàishape形態
整形shaping
外形wàixíngfigure
畸形jīxíngdeformity
无形wúxíngincorporeal無形
圆形yuánxínground圓形
地形dìxíngtopography
身形figure (esp. a woman's)
图形túxíngpicture圖形
体形figure體形
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 形成 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 形
Common phrases include 形状 (xíngzhuàng), meaning 'shape', and 形式 (xíngshì), which translates to 'form' or 'format'. These phrases are often used in discussions about geometry or different formats of expression.
While 形 (xíng) refers to 'form' or 'shape', 状 (zhuàng) typically means 'condition' or 'state'. Therefore, 形 focuses more on the physical appearance, whereas 状 emphasizes the state of being or condition of something.
形 (xíng) translates to 'form' or 'shape' in English. It can also mean 'to appear' or 'to look'. This character is commonly used in various contexts related to appearance or structure.
You can use 形 in sentences such as '这个物体的形状很奇特' (This object's shape is very unique). Another example is '她的心情看起来很形' (She looks very happy). It's often used to describe both physical shapes and emotional appearances.
形 translates to 'form' or 'shape' in English, and can also imply how something appears.
You might hear it in phrases like 形状 (xíngzhuàng) to describe the shape of an object.
Yes, phrases like 形象 (xíngxiàng) meaning 'image' or 'persona' are commonly used.
