Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
缩影 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
缩影suōyǐngminiature version of sthHSK 7, unknown, 29 strokes, rank #24138, Very Hard
缩影suōyǐngmicrocosmHSK 7, unknown, 29 strokes, rank #24138, Very Hard
缩影suōyǐngepitomeHSK 7, unknown, 29 strokes, rank #24138, Very Hard
缩影suōyǐng(Tw) to microfilmHSK 7, unknown, 29 strokes, rank #24138, Very Hard
suōyǐng(suo1ying3) T1
  1. 1miniature version of sth
  2. 2microcosm
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

缩影(縮影)suōyǐng(suo1ying3)

缩影 (suō yǐng) refers to a miniature version or representation of something, often used to describe a microcosm or epitome that captures the essence of a larger entity. It can be used in various contexts, such as art, literature, or social commentary, to illustrate how smaller elements reflect the whole.

Strokes29Frequency#24138DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of 缩影 is often used in discussions about art and literature to highlight how individual stories or characters can represent broader societal themes, reflecting the collective experience.

Memory Tip

Imagine a tiny painting that captures the beauty of a vast landscape—this is your '缩影.' The character 缩 (suō) means 'to shrink,' and 影 (yǐng) means 'shadow' or 'image,' so together they represent a smaller 'image' or 'shadow' of something larger.

Meanings of 缩影

suōyǐng(suo1ying3)
1miniature version of sth
2microcosm
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 缩影 means.

About 缩影

缩影Simplified
縮影Traditional
29Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 缩影

JasonAmy

Podcast: 缩影

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 缩影

Quick Contrast

缩影 (suōyǐng) vs 微缩 (wēisuō) — use 缩影 when referring to a representation that captures the essence of a larger entity, while 微缩 emphasizes the act of making something smaller without necessarily reflecting the larger context.

Usage Notes

This term is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but ensure you understand the difference in connotation when referring to people versus objects. Common collocations include '缩影社会' (microcosm of society). Be mindful of the tonal pronunciation to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words.

HSK Study Tips

Although 缩影 is not specifically in HSK word lists, understanding it can enhance comprehension of HSK vocabulary related to description and representation. Focus on the components of the word to grasp its overall meaning.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 缩影 with similar words like 影像 (yǐng xiàng), which means 'image' or 'picture.' For example, saying '这是一个美丽的影像' (This is a beautiful image) when they mean it's an epitome would be incorrect; the correct term is 缩影.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 缩影

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 缩影 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Jason Explains 缩影 to You

Let me explain 缩影 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 缩影 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.

How Well Do You Know 缩影?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 缩影 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Component Characters

缩suōto withdraw
HSK 714 strokes纟
View full entry
影yǐngpicture
15 strokes彡
View full entry

How to say miniature version of sth in Chinese

“miniature version of sth” in Chinese is缩影suōyǐng

缩影 (suō yǐng) refers to a miniature version or representation of something, often used to describe a microcosm or epitome that captures the essence of a larger entity. It can be used in various contexts, such as art, literature, or social commentary, to illustrate how smaller elements reflect the whole.

When to use 缩影

This term is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but ensure you understand the difference in connotation when referring to people versus objects. Common collocations include '缩影社会' (microcosm of society). Be mindful of the tonal pronunciation to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words.

缩影 or something close to it

缩影 (suōyǐng) vs 微缩 (wēisuō) — use 缩影 when referring to a representation that captures the essence of a larger entity, while 微缩 emphasizes the act of making something smaller without necessarily reflecting the larger context.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 缩影 with similar words like 影像 (yǐng xiàng), which means 'image' or 'picture.' For example, saying '这是一个美丽的影像' (This is a beautiful image) when they mean it's an epitome would be incorrect; the correct term is 缩影.

Write 缩影

缩
影

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Ask Jason

Have a question about 缩影?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.

Frequently Asked Questions about 缩影

Yes, it can describe a person who embodies the traits or characteristics of a larger group.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 缩影?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab