肖像

• Pinyin: xiào xiàng
• Hanzi breakdown: 肖 = 小 + 月 (small + flesh — to resemble in form); 像 = 亻+ 象 (person + elephant — a carved likeness)

Meaning

Portrait; likeness. A painted, drawn, sculpted, or photographed representation of a specific person, especially their face.

Used in art, law, and media contexts. 肖像 has specific legal relevance in China — the right to one's portrait (肖像权) is protected by law and cannot be used commercially without consent. In art, 肖像 refers to portrait painting or sculpture, a genre with a long history in both Western and Chinese traditions.

Examples

1. 博物馆展出了一批十七世纪欧洲王室成员的油画肖像，栩栩如生，令人叹为观止。 The museum is exhibiting a collection of lifelike 17th-century oil portraits of European royalty—truly breathtaking.
2. 使用他人肖像进行商业宣传，必须事先取得当事人的书面授权，否则将侵犯其肖像权。 Using someone else’s likeness for commercial promotion requires prior written authorization; otherwise, it infringes on their right to their image.
3. 这幅肖像捕捉到了人物神态的精髓，眉宇间流露出的气质令观者印象深刻。 This portrait captures the essence of the subject’s expression, and the character that shows in the eyes and brows leaves a strong impression on viewers.

Usage Guide

Context: art, law, media, history

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 艺术家为这位著名科学家绘制了一幅精细的肖像，作品被捐赠给其母校的纪念馆永久收藏。(The artist painted a meticulous portrait of the celebrated scientist — the work was donated to the memorial hall of his alma mater for permanent display.)
• 根据相关法律规定，未经本人同意，任何机构不得擅自将公民肖像用于广告或商业推广活动。(According to relevant regulations, no organisation may use a citizen's portrait in advertising or commercial promotion without that person's prior consent.)

Don't Say

• 给我拍个肖像 — in casual speech, use 拍张照片 or 拍个人像; 肖像 is more formal and typically used in art, law, or official contexts

Origin & History

肖 (resemble/look like) + 像 (image/likeness) — an image that resembles the subject; a portrait

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal