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形象 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
形象xíngxiàngimageHSK 5, n, 18 strokes, rank #2863, Hard
形象xíngxiàngformHSK 5, n, 18 strokes, rank #2863, Hard
形象xíngxiàngfigureHSK 5, n, 18 strokes, rank #2863, Hard
形象xíngxiàngvisualizationHSK 5, n, 18 strokes, rank #2863, Hard
形象xíngxiàngvividHSK 5, n, 18 strokes, rank #2863, Hard
xíngxiàng(xing2xiang4)xing xiang T2
  1. 1image
  2. 2form
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March 24, 2026

形象xíngxiàng(xing2xiang4)

The term 形象 (xíngxiàng) refers to an image, form, or figure, often used to describe visual representations or the way someone or something is perceived. It can apply in various contexts, such as art, media, and personal branding, highlighting how imagery influences perception and emotion.

Strokes18Frequency#2863DifficultyHard
Cultural note

In modern Chinese culture, the concept of 形象 is crucial in fields like advertising and politics, where the public image of individuals or brands can significantly impact their success and acceptance.

Memory tip

Think of 形 (xíng) as a 'shape' and 象 (xiàng) as an 'elephant,' which is often depicted in art. Imagine an elephant forming a shape in your mind, helping you remember that 形象 relates to visual forms and representations.

Meanings of 形象

xíngxiàng(xing2xiang4)
1image
2form
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 形象

形象Simplified
18Strokes
—Radical
名形词xíngróngcíadj-noun (adj.-n.)Part of Speech
#2863Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2

Podcast: 形象

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Podcast: 形象

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AI study notes for 形象

Quick Contrast

形象 (xíngxiàng) vs 形态 (xíngtài) — use 形象 when referring to the perception or representation of something, while 形态 emphasizes the physical form or structure.

Usage Notes

Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 形象, as mixing up the tones could lead to misunderstandings. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, but be aware that it often appears in discussions about art, media, and personal image.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 5 word, 形象 connects with other words related to appearance and perception, such as 外观 (wàiguān, appearance) and 印象 (yìnxiàng, impression). Focus on using it in sentences to describe visual aspects or perceptions in various contexts.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 形象 with 形状 (xíngzhuàng, shape), which refers specifically to the physical shape rather than the broader concept of image or perception. Ensure to use 形象 when discussing imagery or perception rather than just physical form.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 形象

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Component characters

形xíngto appear
HSK 67 strokes彡
View full entry
象xiàngelephant
HSK 611 strokes豕
View full entry

How to say image in Chinese

“image” in Chinese is形象xíngxiàng

The term 形象 (xíngxiàng) refers to an image, form, or figure, often used to describe visual representations or the way someone or something is perceived. It can apply in various contexts, such as art, media, and personal branding, highlighting how imagery influences perception and emotion.

When to use 形象

Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 形象, as mixing up the tones could lead to misunderstandings. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, but be aware that it often appears in discussions about art, media, and personal image.

形象 or something close to it

形象 (xíngxiàng) vs 形态 (xíngtài) — use 形象 when referring to the perception or representation of something, while 形态 emphasizes the physical form or structure.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 形象 with 形状 (xíngzhuàng, shape), which refers specifically to the physical shape rather than the broader concept of image or perception. Ensure to use 形象 when discussing imagery or perception rather than just physical form.

Write 形象

形
象

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

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Grammar patterns of 形象

形象 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). 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.

Exercise 1 of 1

Fill the gap

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

她要成绩有成绩,要____有形象,真是优秀。

She has the grades and the looks — truly outstanding.

Example sentences for 形象 (10)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
我觉得那些人物形象即使不说是乏味无聊,至少也是毫无深度。

wǒ juéde nàxiē rénwù xíngxiàng jíshǐ bù shuō shì fá wèi wúliáo, zhìshǎo yě shì háowú shēndù。

I found the characters very two-dimensional, not to say dull.
2
这是一种形象胜于语言的艺术。

zhè shì yī zhǒng xíngxiàng shèng yú yǔyán de yìshù。

It was an art in which words were subordinate to images.
3
烟草行业一直在试图改善其形象。

yān cǎo hángyè yìzhí zài shìtú gǎishàn qí xíngxiàng。

The tobacco industry has been trying to improve its image.
4
我在那部电影里对女性形象的刻画受到了批评。

wǒ zài nà bù diànyǐng lǐ duì nǚxìng xíngxiàng de kèhuà shòudào le pīpíng。

I get criticized for the portrayal of women in that movie.
5
他的形象因为那桩储蓄信贷丑闻而受损。

tā de xíngxiàng yīnwèi nà zhuāng chǔxù xìndài chǒuwén ér shòu sǔn。

His image was tarnished by the savings and loan scandal.
6
这场病损害了他那爱打拼的形象。

zhè chǎng bìng sǔnhài le tā nà ài dǎ pīn de xíngxiàng。

The illness damaged his Action Man image.
7
菲利普在地板上踱来踱去,一副典型的神经紧张的准爸爸形象。

fēi lì pǔ zài dìbǎn shàng duó lái duó qù, yī fù diǎnxíng de shénjīng jǐnzhāng de zhǔn bàba xíngxiàng。

Philip paced the floor, a typically nervous expectant father.
8
他难以把刻在脑海中的形象抹去。

tā nányǐ bǎ kè zài nǎohǎi zhōng de xíngxiàng mā qù。

He could not dislodge the images imprinted on his brain.
9
这样大发脾气与他所树立的个人形象不相称。

zhèyàng dà fāpíqì yǔ tā suǒ shùlì de gèrén xíngxiàng bù Xiāng chèn。

The outburst was inconsistent with the image he has cultivated.
10
这些故事中的玩偶形象跟谁都不像,更不用说像自己了。

zhèxiē gùshi zhōng de wán ǒu xíngxiàng gēn shéi dōu bù xiàng, gèng búyòng shuō xiàng zìjǐ le。

The doll-like figures in these stories are unlike anybody, let alone oneself.

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Frequently asked questions about 形象

Synonyms include 形态 (xíngtài, form) and 映像 (yìngxiàng, reflection), depending on the context.

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