写照

• Pinyin: xiě zhào
• Hanzi breakdown: 写 = 宀 + 与 (roof + give — to inscribe); 照 = 日 + 刀 + 灬 (sun + knife + fire — to illuminate clearly)

Meaning

A portrayal; a true reflection or vivid depiction. Something that accurately captures the essence or reality of a situation or person.

Used metaphorically to describe something as a faithful representation of a state of affairs. Often appears in literary and journalistic language. '真实写照' (true portrayal) is a very common collocation.

Examples

1. 这幅画是那个年代普通劳动者生活的真实写照。 This painting is a true reflection of ordinary workers’ lives in that era.
2. 他的日记是一段历史的生动写照，记录了无数人的挣扎与希望。 His diary is a vivid portrayal of a period in history, recording countless people’s struggles and hopes.
3. 这部小说是当代都市青年内心困境的深刻写照。 This novel is a profound portrayal of the inner struggles of today’s urban youth.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, journalism, cultural commentary

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这组数据是当前社会阶层流动性减弱这一现实的真实写照。(This set of data is a faithful portrayal of the current reality of diminishing social mobility.)
• 她的经历是无数留守儿童成长困境的缩影与写照。(Her experience is a microcosm and portrayal of the hardships faced by countless left-behind children.)

Don't Say

• 这是我的写照 meaning 'my photo' — use 照片 for a photograph; 写照 is metaphorical, not literal

Origin & History

写 (to write/depict) + 照 (to reflect/illuminate) — to depict and reflect reality faithfully

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal