Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
想象xiǎngxiàng(xiang3xiang4)
想象 (xiǎngxiàng) refers to the ability to form mental images or concepts of things that are not present. It is commonly used in contexts related to creativity, dreaming, and envisioning possibilities, often in artistic or theoretical discussions.
Frequency#749DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, imagination is often linked to traditional storytelling and the arts, highlighting the importance of creativity in various cultural expressions like painting and literature.
Memory Tip
想 (xiǎng) looks like a person thinking, and 象 (xiàng) resembles an elephant, which can be a large image in your mind. Imagine an elephant in your thoughts to connect 'imagine' with '想象'.
Meanings of 想象
xiǎngxiàng(xiang3xiang4)
1to imagine
2to fancy
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 想象
想象Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#749Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 想象
Podcast: 想象
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 想象
Quick Contrast
想象 (xiǎngxiàng) vs 设想 (shèxiǎng) — use 想象 for forming vivid mental images, while 设想 emphasizes hypothetical ideas or plans.
Memory Mnemonic
想 (xiǎng) looks like a person thinking, and 象 (xiàng) resembles an elephant, which can be a large image in your mind. Imagine an elephant in your thoughts to connect 'imagine' with '想象'.
Usage Notes
Be cautious of the tone when pronouncing 想象, as incorrect tones can change the meaning. This word is often used in both formal and informal contexts but is more common in discussions about creativity and ideas.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 想象 connects with other words related to thought and creativity. Focus on how it pairs with verbs like '创造' (create) and '设计' (design) to enhance your vocabulary around imagination.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, imagination is often linked to traditional storytelling and the arts, highlighting the importance of creativity in various cultural expressions like painting and literature.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 想象 with 设想 (shèxiǎng), which means 'to propose' or 'to hypothesize'. For example, saying '我设想未来的生活' (I propose the future life) is incorrect; it should be '我想象未来的生活'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 想象
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 想象 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 想象 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 想象
想象 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.
It was the most unexpected piece of news one could possibly imagine.
10
想象一下那长长的金色海滩吧，在那里你可以独自徜徉。
xiǎng xiàng yī xià nà cháng cháng de jīn sè hǎi tān bā， ， zài nà lǐ nǐ kě yǐ dú zì cháng。
Imagine long golden beaches where you can wander in solitude.
Cultural Notes for 想象
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, imagination is often linked to traditional storytelling and the arts, highlighting the importance of creativity in various cultural expressions like painting and literature.
Frequently Asked Questions about 想象
You can say '我想象未来的生活' (I imagine the future life) to express a personal vision.
Yes, 想象 can be used in both formal and informal writing, particularly in creative or speculative contexts.
想 (xiǎng) means 'to think' or 'to want', while 想象 (xiǎngxiàng) specifically refers to 'imagining' or 'envisioning' concepts.
