衬托

• Pinyin: chèn tuō
• Desglose de hanzi: 衬 = 衤 (clothing) + 寸 (inch, phonetic); 托 = 扌 (hand) + 乇 (phonetic)

Significado

Realzar; resaltar por contraste; servir de contrapunto.

An important concept in Chinese aesthetics and literature. The supporting element (衬托物) makes the main element stand out more vividly. Used in art, photography, writing, and everyday descriptions.

Ejemplos

1. 绿叶衬托着红花，显得格外美丽。
2. 背景音乐很好地衬托了电影的紧张气氛。
3. 她素雅的打扮反而衬托出她的气质。

Guía de uso

Contexto: aesthetics, literature, design

Tono: neutral

Correcto

• 这幅画用冷色调衬托出主体的温暖感。(This painting uses cool tones to set off the warmth of the main subject.)
• 配角的表演很好地衬托了主角。(The supporting actors' performances nicely set off the lead.)

Incorrecto

• 你衬托我 as a compliment (衬托 implies being secondary or a foil — could sound like you're saying they make you look better)

Origen e historia

Compound of 衬 (to line, to contrast) and 托 (to support, to set off). 衬 contains 衤 (clothing radical) suggesting lining fabric.

Contexto cultural

Generación: All ages

Contexto social: Universal