逼真

• Pinyin: bī zhēn
• Hanzi breakdown: 逼 = 辶 (walk) + 畐 (phonetic); 真 = 十 + 目 + 一 + 八 (true)

Meaning

Lifelike; realistic; true to life; vivid.

Describes something so realistic it seems real — artwork, performances, simulations, imitations. Implies high quality and attention to detail. Used for visual art, acting, special effects, reproductions, and descriptions that vividly capture reality.

Examples

1. 这幅画画得太逼真了，远看还以为是照片呢。 This painting is so realistic — from a distance, I thought it was a photograph.
2. 电影里的恐龙做得非常逼真，连专家都佩服。 The dinosaurs in the movie were incredibly lifelike — even experts were impressed.
3. 她模仿领导讲话模仿得特别逼真，把大家都逗笑了。 Her imitation of the boss giving a speech was spot-on and had everyone laughing.

Usage Guide

Context: art, entertainment, technology, imitation

Tone: appreciative

Do Say

• 这个蜡像太逼真了！(This wax figure is so lifelike!)
• 他演得很逼真。(His performance was very realistic.)

Don't Say

• 用'逼真'形容真实事物 (Don't use 逼真 for actual real things — it specifically means something resembles reality)

Origin & History

逼 (to press close) + 真 (true/real). So close to reality that it presses against the truth.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal