noun / adjective HSK 5
xíng xiàng
image · form · figure · appearance · vivid · concrete

Meaning

形象 refers to the external image, appearance, or impression that someone or something presents. It can mean a person's public image or reputation, a visual representation, or describe something as vivid and concrete (as opposed to abstract). The word is commonly used in contexts involving personal image, brand image, literary characters, or artistic representations.

Usage

As a noun, 形象 often appears with possessive constructions like 他的形象 (his image) or 公司形象 (company image). It's frequently used in media, business, and literary contexts. As an adjective, it means 'vivid' or 'graphic,' describing explanations or descriptions that are concrete and easy to visualize. Common collocations include 树立形象 (to establish an image) and 损害形象 (to damage one's image).

Examples

  1. 01
    这位演员很注重自己的公众形象
    Zhè wèi yǎn yuán hěn zhù zhòng de gōng zhòng xíng xiàng.
    This actor pays close attention to his public image.
  2. 02
    老师用形象的例子给我们解释了这个复杂的概念。
    Lǎo shī yòng xíng xiàng de zi gěi men jiě shì le zhè ge de gài niàn.
    The teacher used vivid examples to explain this complex concept to us.

Characters

Measure words

  • 一个好形象

Common collocations

  • 树立形象
    shù xíng xiàng
    to establish an image
  • 公众形象
    gōng zhòng xíng xiàng
    public image
  • 形象生动
    xíng xiàng shēng dòng
    vivid and lively
  • 损害形象
    sǔn hài xíng xiàng
    to damage one's image

Antonyms

Origin

Both characters relate to visual form: 形 originally depicted a person's shape or form, while 象 depicted an elephant and came to mean 'likeness' or 'image.' Together they emphasize the external, visible aspect of something.

Related