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March 24, 2026
想象xiǎngxiàng(xiang3xiang4)
想象 (xiǎngxiàng) refers to the ability to form mental images or concepts of things that are not present. It is commonly used in contexts related to creativity, dreaming, and envisioning possibilities, often in artistic or theoretical discussions.
Strokes24Frequency#749DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, imagination is often linked to traditional storytelling and the arts, highlighting the importance of creativity in various cultural expressions like painting and literature.
Memory Tip
想 (xiǎng) looks like a person thinking, and 象 (xiàng) resembles an elephant, which can be a large image in your mind. Imagine an elephant in your thoughts to connect 'imagine' with '想象'.
Meanings of 想象
xiǎngxiàng(xiang3xiang4)
1to imagine
2to fancy
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About 想象
想象Simplified
24Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#749Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 想象
Podcast: 想象
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AI Study Notes for 想象
Quick Contrast
想象 (xiǎngxiàng) vs 设想 (shèxiǎng) — use 想象 for forming vivid mental images, while 设想 emphasizes hypothetical ideas or plans.
Usage Notes
Be cautious of the tone when pronouncing 想象, as incorrect tones can change the meaning. This word is often used in both formal and informal contexts but is more common in discussions about creativity and ideas.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 想象 connects with other words related to thought and creativity. Focus on how it pairs with verbs like '创造' (create) and '设计' (design) to enhance your vocabulary around imagination.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 想象 with 设想 (shèxiǎng), which means 'to propose' or 'to hypothesize'. For example, saying '我设想未来的生活' (I propose the future life) is incorrect; it should be '我想象未来的生活'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 想象
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想象 (xiǎngxiàng) refers to the ability to form mental images or concepts of things that are not present. It is commonly used in contexts related to creativity, dreaming, and envisioning possibilities, often in artistic or theoretical discussions.
When to use 想象
Be cautious of the tone when pronouncing 想象, as incorrect tones can change the meaning. This word is often used in both formal and informal contexts but is more common in discussions about creativity and ideas.
想象 or something close to it
想象 (xiǎngxiàng) vs 设想 (shèxiǎng) — use 想象 for forming vivid mental images, while 设想 emphasizes hypothetical ideas or plans.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 想象 with 设想 (shèxiǎng), which means 'to propose' or 'to hypothesize'. For example, saying '我设想未来的生活' (I propose the future life) is incorrect; it should be '我想象未来的生活'.
Write 想象
想
象
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Grammar Patterns of 想象
想象 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 2 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.
