Meaning
刻画 means to depict or portray something in detail, whether in art, literature, or description. It emphasizes creating a vivid, detailed representation of a character, scene, or concept. The word combines the idea of carving (刻) with drawing/painting (画), suggesting careful, deliberate crafting of an image or impression.
Usage
Commonly used in literary and artistic contexts to discuss how authors, filmmakers, or artists portray characters or scenes. It emphasizes depth and detail in representation. Often appears in phrases like 刻画人物 (to portray a character) or 刻画细节 (to depict details). More formal than simple 描写.
Examples
- 01这部小说生动地刻画了战争时期人们的生活。.This novel vividly depicts people's lives during wartime.
- 02导演成功地刻画了主人公复杂的内心世界。.The director successfully portrayed the protagonist's complex inner world.
Characters
Common collocations
- 刻画人物to portray a character
- 生动地刻画to vividly depict
- 细致刻画to portray in detail
- 刻画形象to portray an image/character
Origin
The combination of 刻 (carve) and 画 (draw/paint) creates a metaphor for creating detailed, carefully crafted representations, as if carving and painting simultaneously to capture essence and detail.