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样子 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
样子yàngziappearanceHSK 4, n, 13 strokes, rank #615, Medium
样子yàngzimannerHSK 4, n, 13 strokes, rank #615, Medium
样子yàngzipatternHSK 4, n, 13 strokes, rank #615, Medium
样子yàngzimodelHSK 4, n, 13 strokes, rank #615, Medium
yàngzi(yang4zi5)yang zi T4
  1. 1appearance
  2. 2manner
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March 24, 2026

样子(樣子)yàngzi(yang4zi5)

The term '样子' (yàngzi) refers to the appearance or manner of something or someone. It can denote physical form, behavior, or style, often used to describe how things look or the way actions are carried out in various contexts.

Strokes13Frequency#615DifficultyMedium
Cultural note

'样子' is often used in daily conversations in China to discuss everything from fashion to behavior, reflecting the cultural emphasis on appearance and social norms. For example, people might comment on someone's '样子' to convey approval or disapproval.

Memory tip

Think of '样子' as a 'yang' (like a bright, sunny day) that showcases the 'zi' (child) playing outside. The child’s appearance and manner are full of life, emphasizing the visual aspect of '样子'.

Meanings of 样子

yàngzi(yang4zi5)
1appearance
2manner
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 样子

样子Simplified
樣子Traditional
13Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#615Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1

Podcast: 样子

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Podcast: 样子

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AI study notes for 样子

Quick Contrast

形状 (xíngzhuàng) - use '样子' when referring to appearance or manner, while '形状' specifically focuses on the shape of an object.

Usage Notes

When using '样子', be mindful of its context, as it can be both formal and informal. Common collocations include '样子好' (good appearance) and '样子怪' (strange manner). Avoid confusing it with similar terms like '样品' (sample), which has a different meaning.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 4 word, '样子' builds on vocabulary related to descriptions and appearances, connecting with words like '颜色' (color) and '形状' (shape). Focus on using it in sentences to describe people or objects to solidify understanding.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse '样子' with '样品'. For example, saying '我买了一个样品' (I bought a model) instead of '我买了一个样子' (I bought an appearance) can lead to misunderstanding. Ensure you understand the context in which you use '样子'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 样子

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Component characters

样yàngmanner
HSK 610 strokes木
View full entry
子zison
HSK 33 strokes子
View full entry

How to say appearance in Chinese

“appearance” in Chinese is样子yàngzi

The term '样子' (yàngzi) refers to the appearance or manner of something or someone. It can denote physical form, behavior, or style, often used to describe how things look or the way actions are carried out in various contexts.

When to use 样子

When using '样子', be mindful of its context, as it can be both formal and informal. Common collocations include '样子好' (good appearance) and '样子怪' (strange manner). Avoid confusing it with similar terms like '样品' (sample), which has a different meaning.

样子 or something close to it

形状 (xíngzhuàng) - use '样子' when referring to appearance or manner, while '形状' specifically focuses on the shape of an object.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse '样子' with '样品'. For example, saying '我买了一个样品' (I bought a model) instead of '我买了一个样子' (I bought an appearance) can lead to misunderstanding. Ensure you understand the context in which you use '样子'.

Write 样子

样
子

Practice writing 样子 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar patterns of 样子

样子 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 4 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.

Exercise 1 of 3

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

这件衣服____不错,有点儿贵。

This piece of clothing looks nice, but it is a bit expensive.

Example sentences for 样子 (10)

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1
我已经大致知道他长什么样子了。

wǒ yǐjīng dàzhì zhīdào tā cháng shénmeyàng zi le。

I've got a rough idea of what he looks like.
2
看到他们这个样子可真让我伤心。

kàndào tāmen zhège yàngzi kě zhēn ràng wǒ shāngxīn。

It really breaks my heart to see them this way.
3
我敢保证你弄错了,凯特不是那个样子的。

wǒ gǎn bǎozhèng nǐ nòng cuò le, kǎi tè bùshì nàge yàngzi de。

I'm sure you've got it wrong. Kate isn't like that.
4
在欧洲,阿迦汗三世表现得完全是另一副样子。

zài ōuzhōu, Ā jiā hàn sān shì biǎoxiàn de wánquán shì lìng yī fù yàngzi。

In Europe, Aga Khan III presented himself in a completely different light.
5
那架飞机样子很难看。

nà jià fēijī yàngzi hěn nánkàn。

It was a clumsy looking aeroplane.
6
那辆货车已破得不成样子。

nà liàng huòchē yǐ pò de bùchéng yàngzi。

The van's totally clapped out.
7
他也想看看原生态的孟加拉国是什么样子。

tā yě xiǎng kàn kàn yuán shēngtài de mèng jiā lā guó shì shénmeyàng zi。

He also wanted to see Bangladesh in the raw.
8
他谈论她的样子有点不对劲。

tā tánlùn tā de yàngzi yǒu diǎn bùduì jìn。

There's something about the way he talks of her that doesn't fit.
9
欧洲人早就想赢了,而且他们看上去的确是一副要赢的样子。

ōuzhōu rén zǎojiù xiǎng yíng le, érqiě tāmen kànshangqu díquè shì yī fù yào yíng de yàngzi。

The Europeans had hoped to win, and, indeed, had looked like winning.
10
我不忍看镜子里自己的样子。

wǒ bù rěn kàn jìngzi lǐ zìjǐ de yàngzi。

I couldn't bear to see my reflection in the mirror.

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Frequently asked questions about 样子

'样子' can be used to describe how someone looks or behaves, such as in '他的样子很帅' (He looks handsome).

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