偶像

• Pinyin: ǒu xiàng
• Hanzi breakdown: 偶 = 亻(person) + 禺, image/statue; 像 = 亻+ 象 (elephant), resemblance/image

Meaning

Idol; icon. A person greatly admired or a figure of worship.

Originally referred to religious statues or images of worship. Now commonly used for celebrities, stars, or anyone greatly admired. Related terms: 偶像剧 (idol drama), 偶像团体 (idol group), 追星 (to follow/chase stars).

Examples

1. 他从小就是我的偶像，我一直很崇拜他。 He has been my idol since childhood; I have always admired him.
2. 现在很多年轻人都有自己喜欢的偶像。 Nowadays many young people have their own favorite idols.
3. 她终于在演唱会上见到了自己的偶像。 She finally met her idol at the concert.

Usage Guide

Context: entertainment, fandom, admiration

Tone: enthusiastic

Do Say

• 你的偶像是谁？(Who is your idol?)
• 他是很多年轻人心中的偶像。(He is an idol in many young people's hearts.)

Don't Say

• 我偶像了他。(偶像 is a noun, not a verb — say 我崇拜他 or 他是我的偶像)

Origin & History

偶 (ǒu, image/statue) + 像 (xiàng, image/likeness). An image or figure that is worshipped or admired.

Cultural Context

Generation: Youth-oriented

Social background: Universal