形象

• Pinyin: xíng xiàng
• Hanzi breakdown: 形 = 开 (phonetic) + 彡 (decorative strokes), meaning form or shape; 象 = pictograph of an elephant, extended to mean appearance or image

Meaning

Image; vivid. A person's or thing's outward appearance and impression, or used as an adjective meaning vivid and graphic.

As a noun, 形象 refers to one's public image, appearance, or the impression one gives. As an adjective, it means vivid, graphic, or lifelike in description. Commonly used in discussions about personal presentation, branding, and literary description.

Examples

1. 他在公司的形象一直很好。 His image at the company has always been very good.
2. 这个比喻非常形象。 This metaphor is very vivid.
3. 注意自己的形象是一件重要的事情。 Paying attention to your image is an important thing.

Usage Guide

Context: social, work, writing

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 她的形象很专业，大家都很信任她。(Her image is very professional, and everyone trusts her.)
• 老师用了一个很形象的例子来解释。(The teacher used a very vivid example to explain.)

Don't Say

• 他的形象很高。(Don't combine 形象 with 高 — use 好 for a good image or 高大 for a tall imposing figure)

Origin & History

Compound of 形 (form, shape) and 象 (elephant, appearance). Together they describe outward form and the impression it creates.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal