国画

• Pinyin: guó huà
• Hanzi breakdown: 国 = 囗 (enclosure) + 玉 (jade); 画 = 一 (one line) + 田 (field) + 凵 (container) — tracing a boundary

Meaning

Traditional Chinese painting; a classical art form using brush, ink, and pigments on silk or paper.

Encompasses landscape, figure, and bird-and-flower paintings, typically using techniques such as ink wash and line brushwork. Considered one of China's most distinguished cultural heritages. Often contrasted with Western oil painting.

Examples

1. 她从小学习国画，笔下的山水意境深远。 She has studied traditional Chinese painting since childhood, and her landscapes have a deep sense of atmosphere and meaning.
2. 博物馆正在举办一场国画名家作品邀请展。 The museum is hosting an invitational exhibition of works by renowned traditional Chinese painters.
3. 水墨技法是国画区别于西洋画的核心特征之一。 Ink-wash techniques are one of the defining features that set traditional Chinese painting apart from Western painting.

Usage Guide

Context: art, culture, education

Tone: appreciative

Do Say

• 这幅国画构图严谨，墨色层次丰富，堪称佳作。(This traditional Chinese painting has a rigorous composition and rich gradations of ink — it is truly a fine work.)
• 学习国画有助于培养对传统文化的深厚感情。(Studying traditional Chinese painting helps foster a deep affinity for traditional culture.)

Don't Say

• 这幅国画画得很像 — 像 alone sounds too casual; for art appreciation say 这幅国画形神兼备 or 这幅国画意境深远

Origin & History

国 (national/Chinese) + 画 (painting/drawing)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal