Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
样子(樣子)yàngzi(yang4zi5)
The term '样子' (yàngzi) refers to the appearance or manner of something or someone. It can denote physical form, behavior, or style, often used to describe how things look or the way actions are carried out in various contexts.
Frequency#615DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
'样子' is often used in daily conversations in China to discuss everything from fashion to behavior, reflecting the cultural emphasis on appearance and social norms. For example, people might comment on someone's '样子' to convey approval or disapproval.
Memory Tip
Think of '样子' as a 'yang' (like a bright, sunny day) that showcases the 'zi' (child) playing outside. The child’s appearance and manner are full of life, emphasizing the visual aspect of '样子'.
Meanings of 样子
yàngzi(yang4zi5)
1appearance
2manner
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 样子
样子Simplified
樣子Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#615Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 样子
Podcast: 样子
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 样子
Quick Contrast
形状 (xíngzhuàng) - use '样子' when referring to appearance or manner, while '形状' specifically focuses on the shape of an object.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of '样子' as a 'yang' (like a bright, sunny day) that showcases the 'zi' (child) playing outside. The child’s appearance and manner are full of life, emphasizing the visual aspect of '样子'.
Usage Notes
When using '样子', be mindful of its context, as it can be both formal and informal. Common collocations include '样子好' (good appearance) and '样子怪' (strange manner). Avoid confusing it with similar terms like '样品' (sample), which has a different meaning.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, '样子' builds on vocabulary related to descriptions and appearances, connecting with words like '颜色' (color) and '形状' (shape). Focus on using it in sentences to describe people or objects to solidify understanding.
Cultural Note
'样子' is often used in daily conversations in China to discuss everything from fashion to behavior, reflecting the cultural emphasis on appearance and social norms. For example, people might comment on someone's '样子' to convey approval or disapproval.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '样子' with '样品'. For example, saying '我买了一个样品' (I bought a model) instead of '我买了一个样子' (I bought an appearance) can lead to misunderstanding. Ensure you understand the context in which you use '样子'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 样子
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 样子 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 样子 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 样子
样子 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 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.
In Europe, Aga Khan III presented himself in a completely different light.
5
那架飞机样子很难看。
nà jià fēi jī yàng zǐ hěn nán kàn。
It was a clumsy looking aeroplane.
6
那辆货车已破得不成样子。
nà liàng huò chē yǐ pò dé bù chéng yàng zǐ。
The van's totally clapped out.
7
他也想看看原生态的孟加拉国是什么样子。
tā yě xiǎng kàn kàn yuán shēng tài de mèng jiā lā guó shì shí mó yàng zǐ。
He also wanted to see Bangladesh in the raw.
8
他谈论她的样子有点不对劲。
tā tán lùn tā de yàng zǐ yǒu diǎn bù duì jìn。
There's something about the way he talks of her that doesn't fit.
9
欧洲人早就想赢了，而且他们看上去的确是一副要赢的样子。
ōu zhōu rén zǎo jiù xiǎng yíng le， ， ér qiě tā mén kàn shàng qù de què shì yī fù yào yíng de yàng。
The Europeans had hoped to win, and, indeed, had looked like winning.
10
我不忍看镜子里自己的样子。
wǒ bù rěn kàn jìng zǐ lǐ zì jǐ de yàng zǐ。
I couldn't bear to see my reflection in the mirror.
Cultural Notes for 样子
🏮Cultural insight
'样子' is often used in daily conversations in China to discuss everything from fashion to behavior, reflecting the cultural emphasis on appearance and social norms. For example, people might comment on someone's '样子' to convey approval or disapproval.
Frequently Asked Questions about 样子
'样子' can be used to describe how someone looks or behaves, such as in '他的样子很帅' (He looks handsome).
No, '样子' can also refer to behavior or mannerisms, such as '她的样子很优雅' (Her manner is very elegant).
'样子' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but for formal writing, consider synonyms that might sound more sophisticated.
