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合影 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
合影héyǐngjoint photoHSK 5, n, 21 strokes, rank #11463, Hard
合影héyǐnggroup photoHSK 5, n, 21 strokes, rank #11463, Hard
合影héyǐngto take a joint photoHSK 5, unknown, 21 strokes, rank #11463, Hard
héyǐng(he2ying3)he ying T2
  1. 1joint photo
  2. 2group photo
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March 24, 2026

合影héyǐng(he2ying3)

合影 (hé yǐng) refers to a joint or group photo, typically taken to commemorate an event or gathering. It is commonly used in contexts such as family reunions, school graduations, or company events where multiple people come together for a picture.

Strokes21Frequency#11463DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, taking a 合影 is a significant tradition during celebrations, family gatherings, and major life milestones, often symbolizing unity and collective memories. It reflects the value placed on community and relationships in Chinese society.

Memory Tip

Imagine a group of friends coming together to '合' (hé, meaning 'to combine') for a '影' (yǐng, meaning 'image'). Visualize them all squeezing into the frame of a camera, smiling widely as they capture the moment. The sound of 'hé yǐng' can remind you of friends 'healing' together through memories captured in photos.

Meanings of 合影

héyǐng(he2ying3)
1joint photo
2group photo
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 合影

合影Simplified
21Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#11463Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 合影

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Podcast: 合影

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AI Study Notes for 合影

Quick Contrast

合照 (hézhào) - use 合影 for a more formal or commemorative context, while 合照 is more casual.

Usage Notes

Be careful with the tone when pronouncing 合影, as both syllables have the second and third tones respectively. It's also common to see it in phrases like '拍合影' (pāi hé yǐng), meaning 'to take a group photo'. Ensure you use the correct context; it is more informal than '正式合影' (zhèngshì hé yǐng), which refers to a formal group photo.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 5 word, 合影 connects well with other words related to photography and gatherings, such as 照片 (zhàopiàn, photo) and 聚会 (jùhuì, gathering). Students should practice using it in sentences about events they have attended or participated in.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 合影 with individual photos, mistakenly saying '我拍合影' (I take a group photo) when they mean to say '我拍照片' (I take a picture). Remember, 合影 is specifically for groups.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 合影

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Component Characters

合gěto close
HSK 56 strokes口
View full entry
影yǐngpicture
15 strokes彡
View full entry

How to say joint photo in Chinese

“joint photo” in Chinese is合影héyǐng

合影 (hé yǐng) refers to a joint or group photo, typically taken to commemorate an event or gathering. It is commonly used in contexts such as family reunions, school graduations, or company events where multiple people come together for a picture.

When to use 合影

Be careful with the tone when pronouncing 合影, as both syllables have the second and third tones respectively. It's also common to see it in phrases like '拍合影' (pāi hé yǐng), meaning 'to take a group photo'. Ensure you use the correct context; it is more informal than '正式合影' (zhèngshì hé yǐng), which refers to a formal group photo.

合影 or something close to it

合照 (hézhào) - use 合影 for a more formal or commemorative context, while 合照 is more casual.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 合影 with individual photos, mistakenly saying '我拍合影' (I take a group photo) when they mean to say '我拍照片' (I take a picture). Remember, 合影 is specifically for groups.

Write 合影

合
影

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

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Grammar Patterns of 合影

合影 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 3 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 4

Fill the gap

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

你可以和戴维·贝克汉姆的纸板模型____。

You can have your picture taken with a cutout of David Beckham.

Example Sentences for 合影 (4)

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1
你可以和戴维·贝克汉姆的纸板模型合影。

nǐ kě yǐ hé dài wéi· · bèi kè hàn mǔ de zhǐ bǎn mó xíng hé。

You can have your picture taken with a cutout of David Beckham.
2
《卫报》的头版刊登了两国外交部长的一张合影。

《 《 wèi》 bào 》 de tóu bǎn kān dēng le liǎng guó wài jiāo bù cháng de yī zhāng。

The Guardian's front page carries a photograph of the two foreign ministers.
3
开会前,6位外交部长合影留念。

kāi huì qián,6 ,6 wèi wài jiāo bù cháng hé yǐng liú。

Before going into their meeting the six foreign ministers posed for photographs.
4
他们先单独照相,然后合影。

tā mén xiān dān dú zhào xiāng, , rán hòu hé。

They were photographed separately and then as a group.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 合影

合影 specifically refers to a group photo, while 照片 is a general term for any photo.

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