标致

• Pinyin: biāo zhì
• Hanzi breakdown: 标 = 木 (wood) + 示 (show); 致 = 至 (arrive) + 攵 (action)

Meaning

Pretty; beautiful; good-looking (usually for women).

A slightly formal or literary way to describe physical attractiveness, typically used for women. Has a refined, elegant connotation rather than being overly casual. Less commonly used in everyday speech now.

Examples

1. 她长得挺标致的，五官很精致。 She's quite pretty, with very delicate features.
2. 村里来了个标致的姑娘，小伙子们都争着献殷勤。 A pretty girl came to the village, and all the young men competed to court her.
3. 她年轻时特别标致，追她的人排成队。 She was especially beautiful when young — suitors lined up for her.

Usage Guide

Context: description, compliment, literature

Tone: appreciative

Do Say

• 这姑娘长得真标致。(This girl is really pretty.)
• 她眉眼标致。(She has beautiful features.)

Don't Say

• 用标致形容男性 (标致 is typically used for women — for men, use 英俊 or 帅气)

Origin & History

标 (mark/outstanding) + 致 (fine/delicate). Outstanding and delicate in appearance.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal