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形状 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
形状xíngzhuàngformHSK 5, n, rank #5211, Medium
形状xíngzhuàngshapeHSK 5, n, rank #5211, Medium
形状xíngzhuàng>个[gè]HSK 5, n, rank #5211, Medium
xíngzhuàng(xing2zhuang4) T2
  1. 1form
  2. 2shape
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March 24, 2026
形状(形狀)xíngzhuàng(xing2zhuang4)

形状 (xíngzhuàng) refers to the form or shape of an object, describing its external structure or appearance. It is commonly used in both everyday contexts, such as describing objects, and more technical fields like art and design. The term emphasizes the visual aspects rather than the function of the object.

Frequency#5211DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of shape can also be tied to aesthetics in art and nature, where specific forms are believed to convey harmony and balance. This is evident in traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy, where the shape of characters and objects is essential.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'shaped' object that has a distinct outline. The first character 形 (xíng) looks like a figure standing, representing 'form', while 状 (zhuàng) has a rounded appearance, suggesting 'shape'. Picture a sculptor carving a figure to create a memorable '形状'.

Meanings of 形状

xíngzhuàng(xing2zhuang4)
1form
2shape
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 形状

形状Simplified
形狀Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#5211Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2

Podcast: 形状

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Podcast: 形状

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AI Study Notes for 形状

Quick Contrast

轮廓 (lúnkuò) vs 形状 (xíngzhuàng): Use 轮廓 when focusing on the outline or contour of an object, while 形状 refers more broadly to its overall shape.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a 'shaped' object that has a distinct outline. The first character 形 (xíng) looks like a figure standing, representing 'form', while 状 (zhuàng) has a rounded appearance, suggesting 'shape'. Picture a sculptor carving a figure to create a memorable '形状'.

Usage Notes

Be cautious not to confuse 形状 (xíngzhuàng) with other similar terms like 形式 (xíngshì), which refers to 'form' in a more abstract or structural sense. This term is generally informal, so it's suitable for everyday conversation as well as descriptive writing.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 5 word, 形状 connects well with other vocabulary related to physical descriptions and aesthetics, such as 大小 (dàxiǎo - size) and 颜色 (yánsè - color). Focus on using it in sentences describing objects around you to reinforce your understanding.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of shape can also be tied to aesthetics in art and nature, where specific forms are believed to convey harmony and balance. This is evident in traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy, where the shape of characters and objects is essential.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is using 形状 to describe an object's function rather than its appearance. For example, saying '这个椅子的形状是坐的' (This chair's shape is for sitting) is incorrect; it should be '这个椅子的形状是椅子' (The shape of this chair is a chair).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 形状

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Component Characters

形xíngto appear
HSK 67 strokes彡
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状zhuàngaccusation
HSK 37 strokes犬
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Write 形状

形
状

Practice writing 形状 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 形状

形状 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 3 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.

Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

人体骨架是由依靠韧带连接的____相异的骨头构成。

The skeleton consists of differently shaped bones held together by ligaments.

Example Sentences for 形状 (9)

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1
人体骨架是由依靠韧带连接的形状相异的骨头构成。

rén tǐ gǔ jià shì yóu yī kào rèn dài lián jiē de xíng zhuàng xiāng yì de gǔ tóu gòu chéng。

The skeleton consists of differently shaped bones held together by ligaments.
2
这种徽章有20种不同的颜色和形状。

zhè zhǒng huī zhāng yǒu20 20 zhǒng bù tóng de yán sè hé xíng。

The badges come in twenty different colours and shapes.
3
画一些简单的形状让孩子涂上颜色。

huà yī xiē jiǎn dān de xíng zhuàng ràng hái zǐ tú shàng yán sè。

Draw simple shapes for your child to colour in.
4
为改变鼻子的形状，她甚至接受了整形手术。

wéi gǎi biàn bí zǐ de xíng zhuàng， ， tā shèn zhì jiē shòu le zhěng xíng shǒu。

She even had plastic surgery to change the shape of her nose.
5
用两把小匙将奶酪混合物塑成圆球或椭圆球形状。

yòng liǎng bǎ xiǎo chí jiāng nǎi lào hùn hé wù sù chéng yuán qiú huò tuǒ yuán qiú xíng zhuàng。

Using 2 spoons, mould the cheese mixture into small balls or ovals.
6
黑色的拎包由于装了各种形状的东西而中间下陷.

hēi sè de līn bāo yóu yú zhuāng le gè zhǒng xíng zhuàng de dōng xī ér zhōng jiān xià xiàn.

The black reticule sagged under the weight of shapeless objects.
7
他把这块木头凿刻成人头的形状.

tā bǎ zhè kuài mù tóu záo kè chéng rén tóu de xíng zhuàng.

He chiseled the piece of wood into the shape of a head.
8
那一丛秃头的柳树,因不断遭受砍伐都失去了天然的形状.

nà yī cóng tū tóu de liǔ shù, , yīn bù duàn zāo shòu kǎn fá dū shī qù le tiān rán de xíng.

The pollard willows were tortured out of their natural shape by incessant choppings.
9
你可以凭借烟囱形状的不同来区分这两幢房子.

nǐ kě yǐ píng jiè yān cōng xíng zhuàng de bù tóng lái qū fēn zhè liǎng chuáng fáng zǐ.

You can differentiate between the houses by the shape of their chimneys.

Cultural Notes for 形状

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, the concept of shape can also be tied to aesthetics in art and nature, where specific forms are believed to convey harmony and balance. This is evident in traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy, where the shape of characters and objects is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions about 形状

You can say '这个物体的形状很特别' (Zhège wùtǐ de xíngzhuàng hěn tèbié), meaning 'The shape of this object is very special.'