身影

• Pinyin: shēn yǐng
• Hanzi breakdown: 身 = pictograph of a body; 影 = 景 + 彡 (image cast by light — likeness, shadow)

Meaning

The figure or silhouette of a person; the visible form or outline of someone as seen from a distance; a person's presence perceived through their physical form.

Evokes a visual impression of someone, often at a distance or in motion. Frequently used in literary and emotional contexts to suggest someone's presence, absence, or lingering memory. Common in poetry and prose.

Examples

1. 夕阳下，父亲那逐渐远去的身影让她忍不住落下泪来。 In the sunset, her father’s figure gradually fading into the distance made her burst into tears.
2. 人群中，她一眼就认出了那个熟悉的身影，心跳不由得加速。 In the crowd, she recognized that familiar figure at a glance, and her heart started racing.
3. 多年过去，童年伙伴的身影仍然清晰地浮现在他的脑海中。 Years later, the figure of his childhood friend still appears clearly in his mind.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, narrative, emotional, memory

Tone: wistful

Do Say

• 她的身影出现在人群中时，整个房间的气氛都为之一变。(When her figure appeared in the crowd, the atmosphere of the entire room shifted.)
• 老人步履蹒跚的身影让旁观者心中涌起深深的感动。(The elderly man's shuffling figure stirred deep emotion in all who watched.)

Don't Say

• 身影很高 — 身影 refers to a visual silhouette or impression, not measurable height; use 身材 or 个子 for height descriptions

Origin & History

身 (body, person) + 影 (shadow, image, reflection)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal