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写照 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
写照xiězhàoportrayalHSK 7, unknown, 18 strokes, rank #21580, Very Hard
xiězhào(xie3zhao4)xie zhao T3
  1. 1portrayal
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March 24, 2026

写照(寫照)xiězhào(xie3zhao4)

写照 (xiězhào) refers to a portrayal or representation of someone or something, often emphasizing the depiction of character or essence. It is commonly used in literary contexts, such as in descriptions of characters in novels or artistic interpretations in visual media.

Strokes18Frequency#21580DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese literature, characters are often described in a way that goes beyond physical appearance, reflecting Confucian values of moral character and inner qualities, making 写照 significant in character analysis.

Memory tip

Think of 写 (xiě) like a pen writing down a picture (照, zhào) of someone. Imagine an artist sketching a friend’s portrait while chatting, capturing not just their likeness but their personality.

Meanings of 写照

xiězhào(xie3zhao4)
1portrayal
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 写照

写照Simplified
寫照Traditional
18Strokes
—Radical
名动词dòngcíverb-noun (v.-n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 写照

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Podcast: 写照

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AI study notes for 写照

Quick Contrast

肖像 (xiàoxiàng) refers specifically to a portrait, usually visual, while 写照 (xiězhào) emphasizes a literary or character portrayal.

Usage Notes

写照 is often used in formal writing or discussions about art and literature. Avoid confusing it with simply 写 (to write) or 照 (to shine), as the combined meaning emphasizes representation. Be careful with the tones; mispronouncing either character can change the meaning.

HSK Study Tips

While 写照 is not an HSK word, it uses common characters from lower levels: 写 (to write) and 照 (to shine/reflect). Students should focus on understanding how these characters combine to create a nuanced meaning beyond their individual uses.

Common Mistakes

Learners may confuse 写照 with similar terms like 写真 (portrait) or simply use it incorrectly in casual speech. For example, saying '我写照一个人' (I write a portrayal of a person) is incorrect; it should be '我写照他的性格' (I portray his character).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 写照

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Component characters

写xiěto write
HSK 15 strokes冖
View full entry
照zhàoto shine
HSK 313 strokes灬
View full entry

How to say portrayal in Chinese

“portrayal” in Chinese is写照xiězhào

写照 (xiězhào) refers to a portrayal or representation of someone or something, often emphasizing the depiction of character or essence. It is commonly used in literary contexts, such as in descriptions of characters in novels or artistic interpretations in visual media.

When to use 写照

写照 is often used in formal writing or discussions about art and literature. Avoid confusing it with simply 写 (to write) or 照 (to shine), as the combined meaning emphasizes representation. Be careful with the tones; mispronouncing either character can change the meaning.

写照 or something close to it

肖像 (xiàoxiàng) refers specifically to a portrait, usually visual, while 写照 (xiězhào) emphasizes a literary or character portrayal.

What learners get wrong

Learners may confuse 写照 with similar terms like 写真 (portrait) or simply use it incorrectly in casual speech. For example, saying '我写照一个人' (I write a portrayal of a person) is incorrect; it should be '我写照他的性格' (I portray his character).

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写
照

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Frequently asked questions about 写照

写照 is primarily used in literary and artistic contexts, often to discuss character portrayals in novels or visual arts.

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