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March 24, 2026
漂亮piàoliang(piao4liang5)
漂亮 (piàoliang) means 'pretty' or 'beautiful' and is commonly used to describe people, objects, or places that are visually appealing. It can also convey a sense of admiration or appreciation for someone's appearance or the aesthetic quality of something.
Frequency#323DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, physical beauty is often celebrated in art and literature, making '漂亮' a frequently used term in compliments. It's also common to hear this term in the context of fashion and social occasions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a beautiful painting that is so 'piào' (like 'piao', which sounds like 'fly') that it makes your heart 'liang' (which sounds like 'light' in a way). Visualize a painting floating in the air, drawing attention for its beauty.
Meanings of 漂亮
piàoliang(piao4liang5)
1pretty
2beautiful
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About 漂亮
漂亮Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#323Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L1HSK 3.0L1ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 漂亮
Podcast: 漂亮
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AI Study Notes for 漂亮
Quick Contrast
美丽 (měilì) - use 漂亮 (piàoliang) for a more casual or everyday context, while 美丽 (měilì) often carries a more formal or literary tone.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a beautiful painting that is so 'piào' (like 'piao', which sounds like 'fly') that it makes your heart 'liang' (which sounds like 'light' in a way). Visualize a painting floating in the air, drawing attention for its beauty.
Usage Notes
While '漂亮' is generally positive, it can be overly casual in formal contexts. Be cautious with tone; using the wrong tone can change the meaning. Common collocations include '漂亮的衣服' (pretty clothes) and '漂亮的风景' (beautiful scenery).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 1 word, '漂亮' is foundational for describing aesthetics. Students should practice using it in sentences with nouns like '人' (person) and '花' (flower) to connect with other vocabulary at this level.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, physical beauty is often celebrated in art and literature, making '漂亮' a frequently used term in compliments. It's also common to hear this term in the context of fashion and social occasions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '漂亮' with '美丽' (měilì), thinking they are interchangeable, but '美丽' is more formal. For example, saying '她很美丽' is more appropriate in formal contexts, while '她很漂亮' is casual.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 漂亮
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Grammar Patterns of 漂亮
漂亮 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 2 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.
The bed linen is patterned in stylish checks, stripes, diagonals and triangles.
10
面对人行道有一些漂亮的维多利亚时代的房子。
miàn duì rén háng dào yǒu yī xiē piāo liàng de wéi duō lì yà shí dài de fáng zǐ。
There are some delightful Victorian houses fronting onto the pavement.
Cultural Notes for 漂亮
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, physical beauty is often celebrated in art and literature, making '漂亮' a frequently used term in compliments. It's also common to hear this term in the context of fashion and social occasions.
Frequently Asked Questions about 漂亮
'漂亮' is primarily used for beauty and is often applied to women, though it can be used for men in a more playful or informal context.
'漂亮' can be used like this: '她的裙子很漂亮' (Her dress is very pretty).
'漂亮' is more informal; in formal contexts, consider using '美丽' (měilì) for beauty.
