形状

• Pinyin: xíng zhuàng
• Hanzi breakdown: 形 = 开 (open) + 彡 (lines), depicting visible form; 状 = 丬 (bed radical) + 犬 (dog), originally describing condition or form

Meaning

Shape; form; figure. The external outline or contour of an object.

Used to describe the physical shape or outline of objects. Common in descriptions of geometry, objects, and visual appearances. Often combined with specific shapes: 圆形 (circular), 方形 (square), 三角形 (triangular). Different from 形式 (format/method) — 形状 is specifically about physical shape.

Examples

1. 这块石头的形状很像一只猫。 The shape of this rock looks just like a cat.
2. 月饼一般是圆形的形状。 Mooncakes are generally round in shape.
3. 老师让我们画出不同的形状。 The teacher asked us to draw different shapes.

Usage Guide

Context: description, geometry, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这个蛋糕是什么形状的？(What shape is this cake?)
• 云的形状一直在变化。(The shapes of clouds keep changing.)

Don't Say

• 他的性格形状很好。(Don't use 形状 for abstract qualities like personality — it refers only to physical shape. Say 他的性格很好.)

Origin & History

形 means 'shape' or 'form' and 状 means 'condition' or 'appearance'. Together they describe the visible outline or contour of something.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal