Meanings of 花瓶
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About 花瓶
Podcast: 花瓶
Podcast: 花瓶
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AI Study Notes for 花瓶
花盆 (huāpén, flower pot) refers to a container for planting flowers and plants, while 花瓶 (huāpíng) specifically denotes a vase for cut flowers.
Be careful when using 花瓶 in a figurative sense, as it can be derogatory. It's primarily used in informal contexts. Common collocations include '花瓶美女' (huāpíng měinǚ), meaning 'a beautiful woman who is just a pretty face'.
This word may not be in the official HSK vocabulary but is useful for learners around HSK Level 4. Focus on the components 花 (flower) and 瓶 (vase) to build vocabulary related to household items or aesthetics.
Learners sometimes confuse 花瓶 with similar words, like 花朵 (huāduǒ), which means 'flower'. Additionally, using it in a formal context may lead to misunderstandings, as its figurative meaning can be offensive.
Pronunciation of 花瓶
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Component Characters
How to say flower vase in Chinese
“flower vase” in Chinese is花瓶
花瓶 (huāpíng) refers to a flower vase, an object used to hold cut flowers. In a figurative sense, it describes a person, often a woman, who is attractive but lacks depth or capability, implying they are merely 'a pretty face'. This dual meaning is common in both literal and metaphorical contexts.
When to use 花瓶
Be careful when using 花瓶 in a figurative sense, as it can be derogatory. It's primarily used in informal contexts. Common collocations include '花瓶美女' (huāpíng měinǚ), meaning 'a beautiful woman who is just a pretty face'.
花瓶 or something close to it
花盆 (huāpén, flower pot) refers to a container for planting flowers and plants, while 花瓶 (huāpíng) specifically denotes a vase for cut flowers.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes confuse 花瓶 with similar words, like 花朵 (huāduǒ), which means 'flower'. Additionally, using it in a formal context may lead to misunderstandings, as its figurative meaning can be offensive.
Write 花瓶
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Common Confusions with 花瓶
Different meanings but similar pronunciation.
Similar pronunciation, but different meaning.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "flower vase"?
Usage Notes for 花瓶
Learners might confuse the literal and figurative meanings of 花瓶. In figurative usage, it refers to someone who is attractive but lacks depth.
他只是个花瓶，没有什么才华。
He is just a pretty face, with no talent.
Fill in the Blank
他只是个____，没有什么才华。
He is just a pretty face, with no talent.
Cultural Notes for 花瓶
In Western cultures, the phrase 'just a pretty face' is also used but may not carry the same cultural weight or implications about gender roles as it does in China.
Frequently Asked Questions about 花瓶
Literally, 花瓶 means 'flower vase'. Figuratively, it describes someone attractive but lacking intelligence or depth.
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