Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
印象 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
印象
yìnxiàng
impression
HSK 4, n, 16 strokes, rank #1554, Medium
yìnxiàng(yin4xiang4)yin xiang T4
1impression
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
印象yìnxiàng(yin4xiang4)
The term '印象' (yìnxiàng) refers to an impression or a perception formed in someone's mind about a person, place, or experience. It is commonly used to express how one feels or thinks about something after encountering it, often in contexts such as first impressions or lasting impressions.
Strokes16Frequency#1554DifficultyMedium
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, first impressions are particularly emphasized, especially in social and business settings. The concept of '印象' can influence relationships and decisions, making it important to present oneself well during initial meetings.
Memory tip
Imagine a stamp (印) that leaves an impression (象) on a surface. The stamp leaves a mark that symbolizes your feelings, just like your impressions of people or experiences leave marks on your memory. The pronunciation 'yìnxiàng' can be linked to 'yin' like a stamp's 'ink' and 'xiang' like 'sang' — a memorable moment that 'sings' in your mind.
Meanings of 印象
yìnxiàng(yin4xiang4)
1impression
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 印象 means.
About 印象
印象Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1554Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 印象
Podcast: 印象
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 印象
Quick Contrast
感受 (gǎnshòu) - use '印象' when referring to an impression formed from observation, while '感受' emphasizes personal feelings or sensations.
Usage Notes
'印象' is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious of the tone used; the second syllable 'xiang' should be pronounced with a falling tone. Common collocations include '第一印象' (first impression) and '深刻的印象' (deep impression). Many learners mistakenly confuse '印象' with similar terms like '感觉' (feeling), which has a slightly different nuance.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, '印象' connects well with other descriptive vocabulary at this level. Students should focus on using it in sentences to describe their experiences or opinions about various subjects. Building phrases around '印象' can improve fluency and confidence in conversation.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use '印象' when they mean '感觉' (feeling); for example, saying '我对他的感觉很好' instead of '我对他的印象很好.' It's important to distinguish between general feelings and specific impressions.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 印象
Premium — Locked
Tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 印象, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 印象 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 印象?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 印象 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
The term '印象' (yìnxiàng) refers to an impression or a perception formed in someone's mind about a person, place, or experience. It is commonly used to express how one feels or thinks about something after encountering it, often in contexts such as first impressions or lasting impressions.
When to use 印象
'印象' is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious of the tone used; the second syllable 'xiang' should be pronounced with a falling tone. Common collocations include '第一印象' (first impression) and '深刻的印象' (deep impression). Many learners mistakenly confuse '印象' with similar terms like '感觉' (feeling), which has a slightly different nuance.
印象 or something close to it
感受 (gǎnshòu) - use '印象' when referring to an impression formed from observation, while '感受' emphasizes personal feelings or sensations.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use '印象' when they mean '感觉' (feeling); for example, saying '我对他的感觉很好' instead of '我对他的印象很好.' It's important to distinguish between general feelings and specific impressions.
Write 印象
印
象
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 印象 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 印象
印象 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
