图案

• Pinyin: tú àn
• Hanzi breakdown: 图 = 囗(enclosure) + 啚 (phonetic); 案 = 木(wood) + 安 (peace, phonetic)

Meaning

Pattern; design; decorative motif.

Refers to decorative or functional patterns on textiles, ceramics, wallpaper, or other surfaces. Can be traditional Chinese motifs (clouds, dragons, phoenixes) or modern graphic designs. Distinct from 图形 (tú xíng, geometric shapes) or 图画 (tú huà, drawing/painting).

Examples

1. 这块布料上印着美丽的花卉图案，非常适合做春装。 This fabric is printed with a beautiful floral pattern, perfect for spring clothing.
2. 她设计的陶瓷碗上绘有精美的传统龙凤图案。 The ceramic bowl she designed features an exquisite traditional dragon-and-phoenix motif.
3. 这件毛衣的图案很独特，是工匠一针一针手工绣上去的。 The pattern on this sweater is unique — it was embroidered stitch by stitch by hand.

Usage Guide

Context: art, fashion, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这个图案的颜色搭配非常和谐。(The colour combination of this pattern is very harmonious.)
• 衣服上的图案是手工刺绣的。(The pattern on the clothing is hand-embroidered.)

Don't Say

• 图案 ≠ 图画 — 图案 is a repeating or decorative pattern/motif; 图画 is a drawing or painting. Using them interchangeably can be misleading.

Origin & History

Compound of 图 (diagram/picture, from 囗 enclosure + phonetic) and 案 (table/plan, from 木 wood + 安 peace/phonetic). Together they convey a designed or planned visual motif.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal