景象

• Pinyin: jǐng xiàng
• Hanzi breakdown: 景 = 日 (sun) + 京 (capital), meaning scenery; 象 = pictograph of an elephant, extended to mean image

Meaning

Scene; sight; spectacle. A visual display or view.

Refers to what is seen, especially notable or memorable scenes. Can be natural scenery, urban views, or abstract situations (繁荣的景象 = prosperous scene). Often used with adjectives describing the nature of what's observed. More literary than 风景.

Examples

1. 雪后的城市呈现出一片美丽的景象。 After the snow, the city presented a beautiful scene.
2. 春天到了，公园里百花盛开的景象令人陶醉。 Spring has arrived, and the sight of flowers blooming everywhere in the park is intoxicating.
3. 他从没见过这么繁华热闹的景象。 He had never seen such a bustling and lively spectacle.

Usage Guide

Context: description, writing, observation

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 眼前的景象让我震惊。(The scene before me was shocking.)
• 这是一幅感人的景象。(This is a touching scene.)

Don't Say

• 那个景象的照片 (景象 is abstract/experiential — for photos of places, use 风景 or 场景)

Origin & History

Compound of 景 (scenery, view) + 象 (appearance, image), meaning the appearance of a scene.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal