长相

• Pinyin: zhǎng xiàng
• Hanzi breakdown: 长 = 长 (to grow); 相 = 木 + 目 (appearance)

Meaning

Appearance; looks; facial features. A person's physical appearance, especially the face.

Colloquial term for describing how someone looks. Can be modified: 长相普通 (average-looking), 长相出众 (outstanding appearance), 长相端正 (regular features). Similar to 相貌 but more casual.

Examples

1. 她长相甜美，一笑起来就有两个小酒窝。 She has a sweet look, and when she smiles, she has two little dimples.
2. 不要以貌取人，长相并不能决定一个人的才能。 Don’t judge a person by their looks—appearance doesn’t determine someone’s ability.
3. 这对双胞胎长相几乎一模一样，很难分辨。 These twins look almost exactly the same; it’s hard to tell them apart.

Usage Guide

Context: descriptions, dating, casual conversation

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 他虽然长相平凡，但性格开朗，很受朋友欢迎。(Although his looks are ordinary, his cheerful personality makes him popular with friends.)
• 这孩子长相随爸爸，眼睛和鼻子都像极了。(This child takes after the father in appearance — the eyes and nose are very similar.)

Don't Say

• 物品的长相 — 长相 is only for people's appearance; use 样子 or 外观 for objects

Origin & History

长 (to grow) + 相 (appearance)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal