勾画

• Pinyin: gōu huà
• Hanzi breakdown: 勾 = 厶 + 勹 (curved hooking stroke); 画 = 田 (field) + 凵 + 一 (a field bounded by lines — to draw/delineate)

Meaning

To sketch; to outline; to delineate. To draw a rough outline of something, or to describe something in broad strokes without elaborate detail.

Used both literally (sketching the outlines of a drawing or map) and figuratively (outlining a vision, plan, or scenario). Common in formal writing and speeches: 勾画蓝图 (to sketch out a blueprint). Similar to 勾勒 but slightly more common in literary and policy contexts. Emphasises the process of defining shape and scope rather than filling in details.

Examples

1. 规划师在地图上用红线勾画出新城区的大致范围和交通走廊。 On the map, the planner outlined the rough boundaries of the new district and its major transportation corridors in red.
2. 这篇报告简要勾画了未来十年行业发展的几种可能路径。 This report briefly sketches out several possible paths for the industry’s development over the next decade.
3. 他用寥寥数笔勾画出人物的神态，笔触简练却极具感染力。 With just a few strokes, he captured the person’s expression—simple lines, but powerfully expressive.

Usage Guide

Context: art, planning, policy, writing, design

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 领导人在讲话中为国家未来的发展勾画了一幅充满希望的蓝图。(In his speech, the leader sketched out a hopeful blueprint for the country's future development.)
• 建筑师在草图纸上快速勾画出大楼外立面的基本造型。(The architect quickly sketched the basic form of the building's facade on tracing paper.)

Don't Say

• 将'勾画'用于精细完整的绘制 — 勾画 implies a rough outline or broad strokes; for a detailed, finished drawing use 绘制 or 描绘 instead

Origin & History

勾 (to hook; to outline with a curved stroke) + 画 (to draw; to delineate). Together: to draw with hooking strokes — i.e., to sketch an outline.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated speakers