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素描 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
素描sùmiáosketchHSK 7, unknown, 21 strokes, rank #12326, Very Hard
sùmiáo(su4miao2)su miao T4
  1. 1sketch
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March 24, 2026

素描sùmiáo(su4miao2)

素描 refers to a sketch or drawing that is typically done using simple lines and minimal color, focusing on the subject's form and structure. It is commonly used in art to practice or represent ideas before creating a full artwork. This term is often used in both academic and informal settings when discussing artistic techniques.

Strokes21Frequency#12326DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese art education, 素描 is a fundamental skill taught to students, emphasizing the importance of understanding form and composition before moving on to intricate details and colors. This reflects the traditional Chinese value placed on foundational skills in any discipline.

Memory tip

Imagine a 'suit' (like 'su') that is drawn in a simple outline, representing the bare essentials of fashion. The 'miao' sounds like 'meow,' so picture a cat sketching a suit with its paw. This quirky image helps connect the pronunciation with the idea of a simple, outlined drawing.

Meanings of 素描

sùmiáo(su4miao2)
1sketch
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About 素描

素描Simplified
21Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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AI study notes for 素描

Quick Contrast

素描 (sùmiáo) vs 速写 (sùxiě): use 素描 for a detailed sketch focusing on form, while 速写 emphasizes quick, spontaneous drawing.

Usage Notes

素描 is often used in art classes or discussions, so it's more common in formal contexts. A common mistake is confusing it with '画' (huà), which means 'to draw' in a broader sense. Remember that 素描 specifically refers to sketches, not finished artworks.

HSK Study Tips

素描 is not currently part of the HSK vocabulary, but it relates to art-related vocabulary that students at HSK 3 and above might encounter. Focus on learning related terms such as '画' (draw), '艺术' (art), and '作品' (work) to enhance your understanding of the art context.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mistakenly use 素描 to refer to fully colored artworks, which it does not represent. Instead, use 素描 for preliminary sketches only, while using 画 for finished pieces.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 素描

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Component characters

素sùraw silk
HSK 710 strokes糸
View full entry
描miáodepict
11 strokes扌
View full entry

How to say sketch in Chinese

“sketch” in Chinese is素描sùmiáo

素描 refers to a sketch or drawing that is typically done using simple lines and minimal color, focusing on the subject's form and structure. It is commonly used in art to practice or represent ideas before creating a full artwork. This term is often used in both academic and informal settings when discussing artistic techniques.

When to use 素描

素描 is often used in art classes or discussions, so it's more common in formal contexts. A common mistake is confusing it with '画' (huà), which means 'to draw' in a broader sense. Remember that 素描 specifically refers to sketches, not finished artworks.

素描 or something close to it

素描 (sùmiáo) vs 速写 (sùxiě): use 素描 for a detailed sketch focusing on form, while 速写 emphasizes quick, spontaneous drawing.

What learners get wrong

Learners often mistakenly use 素描 to refer to fully colored artworks, which it does not represent. Instead, use 素描 for preliminary sketches only, while using 画 for finished pieces.

Write 素描

素
描

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Frequently asked questions about 素描

素描 specifically refers to sketches that focus on outlines and form, while 画 is a broader term that can refer to any kind of drawing or painting.

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