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March 24, 2026
影yǐng(ying3)
The character 影 (yǐng) primarily refers to 'shadow' or 'image,' and is commonly used to denote photographs and films. It encompasses both visual representations, such as pictures and reflections, and metaphorical meanings, such as traces or influences left by something.
Strokes15Radical彡Frequency#2756DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, shadows and reflections are often associated with concepts of duality and the unseen, as seen in traditional art and literature. The word 影 is frequently used in cinematic contexts, reflecting the importance of film as a cultural medium.
Memory Tip
Imagine a shadow (影) cast by a tall tree, where the sun creates a distinctly clear image. The character has the radical for 'shadow' (影) which resembles a figure in the dark, helping you remember that it relates to images and reflections.
Meanings of 影
yǐng(ying3)
1picture
2image
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 影
影Simplified
15Strokes
彡Radical
名动词dòngcíverb-noun (v.-n.)Part of Speech
#2756Frequency Rank
Podcast: 影
Podcast: 影
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AI Study Notes for 影
Quick Contrast
影 (shadow/image) vs 像 (likeness/image) — use 影 for shadows or reflections, while 像 emphasizes resemblance or similarity.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a shadow (影) cast by a tall tree, where the sun creates a distinctly clear image. The character has the radical for 'shadow' (影) which resembles a figure in the dark, helping you remember that it relates to images and reflections.
Usage Notes
While 影 can denote both physical and metaphorical shadows, learners often confuse it with similar characters like 像 (xiàng), which means 'to resemble.' It is used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in discussions about media, photography, and art.
HSK Study Tips
影 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list but is relevant for learners interested in media and visual arts. Students should focus on its use in compound words like 电影 (diànyǐng, movie) and 照片 (zhàopiàn, photograph) to enhance vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, shadows and reflections are often associated with concepts of duality and the unseen, as seen in traditional art and literature. The word 影 is frequently used in cinematic contexts, reflecting the importance of film as a cultural medium.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 影 in contexts where 像 would be more appropriate, such as saying '他影我' (tā yǐng wǒ) instead of '他像我' (tā xiàng wǒ), which means 'he resembles me.' Remember to use 影 for shadows and images rather than resemblance.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 影
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Grammar Patterns of 影
影 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 8 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
I myself enjoy cinema, poetry, eating out and long walks.
2
电影以写实开头，然后却发展成为荒诞的幻想。
diàn yǐng yǐ xiě shí kāi tóu， ， rán hòu què fā zhǎn chéng wéi huāng dàn de huàn。
The film starts off realistically and then develops into a ridiculous fantasy.
3
这部影片的票房收入开始的时候持续上涨，但是后来急剧下降。
zhè bù yǐng piàn de piào fáng shōu rù kāi shǐ de shí hòu chí xù shàng zhǎng， ， dàn shì hòu lái jí jù xià。
The film opened to healthy box office receipts before rapidly falling off.
4
你可以和戴维·贝克汉姆的纸板模型合影。
nǐ kě yǐ hé dài wéi· · bèi kè hàn mǔ de zhǐ bǎn mó xíng hé。
You can have your picture taken with a cutout of David Beckham.
5
你可以转行从事影视戏剧业。
nǐ kě yǐ zhuǎn háng cóng shì yǐng shì xì jù yè。
You can move up to work in films and the theatre.
6
你需要了解办公室权术是如何影响工作氛围的。
nǐ xū yào le jiě bàn gōng shì quán shù shì rú hé yǐng xiǎng gōng zuò fēn wéi de。
You need to understand how office politics influence the working environment.
7
遗憾的是，过于简单的情节使得这部电影差强人意。
yí hàn de shì， ， guò yú jiǎn dān de qíng jié shǐ dé zhè bù diàn yǐng chà qiáng rén。
Sadly, the film is let down by an excessively simple plot.
8
戈德温变成政治激进主义者主要是受他的影响。
gē dé wēn biàn chéng zhèng zhì jī jìn zhǔ yì zhě zhǔ yào shì shòu tā de yǐng xiǎng。
He was a major influence in converting Godwin to political radicalism.
9
与福特的密切合作开始令我爱上了电影。
yǔ fú tè de mì qiē hé zuò kāi shǐ líng wǒ ài shàng le diàn yǐng。
Working with Ford closely, I fell in love with the cinema.
10
好莱坞的大牌影星们出席了那个舞会。
hǎo lái wù de dà pái yǐng xīng mén chū xí le nà gè wǔ huì。
The Ball was attended by the cream of Hollywood society.
Cultural Notes for 影
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, shadows and reflections are often associated with concepts of duality and the unseen, as seen in traditional art and literature. The word 影 is frequently used in cinematic contexts, reflecting the importance of film as a cultural medium.
Word Family of 影
Words Containing This Character20
电影diànyǐngmovie電影
影响yǐngxiǎnginfluence影響
影yǐngpicture
摄影shèyǐngphotography攝影
影片yǐngpiànfilm
摄影师shèyǐngshīphotographer攝影師
影响力influence影響力
影像yǐngxiàngimage
阴影yīnyǐng(lit. and fig.) shadow陰影
影子yǐngzishadow
电影院diànyǐngyuàncinema電影院
身影shēnyǐngsilhouette
影视yǐngshìmovies and television影視
摄影机camera攝影機
合影héyǐnggroup photo
影院cinema
电影节film festival電影節
影星yǐngxīngfilm star
背影rear view
影迷yǐngmímovie fan
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 电影 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 影
影 refers to shadows or images, while 像 means to resemble or to be similar. They are used in different contexts.
Yes, 影 can be used metaphorically to refer to influences or traces left behind by people or events.
