Meaning
印象 refers to the overall feeling, perception, or mental image one forms about a person, place, or thing based on experience or observation. It can be a first impression or a lasting one, and is often used when discussing how someone or something appears or affects you.
Usage
This word is very common in both spoken and written Chinese. It frequently appears with verbs like 留 (to leave), 给 (to give), and 有 (to have) when describing impressions. Native speakers often use it when meeting someone new or evaluating experiences, such as after visiting a place or watching a performance.
Examples
- 01他给我留下了很好的第一印象。.He left me with a very good first impression.
- 02这座城市给我的印象非常深刻。.This city left a very deep impression on me.
Characters
Measure words
- 个一个好印象
Common collocations
- 第一印象first impression
- 留下印象to leave an impression
- 给人印象to give (someone) an impression
- 深刻印象deep/profound impression
Origin
The word literally combines 印 (seal/stamp) and 象 (image), suggesting something that is 'stamped' or 'imprinted' in one's mind. This word was borrowed from Japanese 印象 (inshō) in the early 20th century, which itself was coined to translate Western concepts of 'impression.'