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塑造 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
塑造sùzàoto modelHSK 6, v, rank #8796, Hard
塑造sùzàoto mouldHSK 6, v, rank #8796, Hard
塑造sùzàoplastic (arts)HSK 6, v, rank #8796, Hard
塑造sùzàoflexibleHSK 6, v, rank #8796, Hard
塑造sùzàoto portray (in sculpture or in words)HSK 6, v, rank #8796, Hard
塑造sùzàoto moldHSK 6, unknown, rank #8796, Hard
sùzào(su4zao4) T4
  1. 1to model
  2. 2to mould
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
塑造sùzào(su4zao4)

The verb 塑造 (sùzào) means to model or mold something, whether in a physical or abstract sense. It is commonly used in contexts such as art, where one shapes materials, or in literature, where a character or concept is portrayed in a particular way. This word conveys the idea of creating something with intention and skill.

Frequency#8796DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of 塑造 extends beyond physical modeling to include shaping one's character and reputation, reflecting the importance of personal development and social perception.

Memory Tip

Imagine a sculptor (塑) using their hands to mold (造) a piece of clay into a beautiful statue. The character 塑 resembles a person with arms outstretched, shaping their creation, while 造 suggests the act of building or making.

Meanings of 塑造

sùzào(su4zao4)
1to model
2to mould
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

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About 塑造

塑造Simplified
Strokes
Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#8796Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedBCTCEFRC2

Podcast: 塑造

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Podcast: 塑造

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AI Study Notes for 塑造

Quick Contrast

塑造 (sùzào) vs 形成 (xíngchéng) — use 塑造 when emphasizing the intentional shaping process, while 形成 focuses on the natural development or formation of something.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a sculptor (塑) using their hands to mold (造) a piece of clay into a beautiful statue. The character 塑 resembles a person with arms outstretched, shaping their creation, while 造 suggests the act of building or making.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 塑造 with similar verbs like 形成 (xíngchéng), which means to form or take shape without the connotation of active shaping. This word is more commonly used in formal contexts, especially in discussions about art or character development in literature.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 塑造 connects well with other advanced vocabulary related to art and expression. Focus on its usage in both artistic and literary contexts to deepen understanding and enhance your ability to discuss complex ideas.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of 塑造 extends beyond physical modeling to include shaping one's character and reputation, reflecting the importance of personal development and social perception.

Common Mistakes

Learners often misuse 塑造 in contexts where 形成 (xíngchéng) would be more appropriate, such as saying '塑造气候' (sùzào qìhòu) instead of '形成气候' (xíngchéng qìhòu) which means 'to form a climate'. Remember, 塑造 implies a more active, creative process.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 塑造

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Component Characters

to model (a figure) in clay
13 strokes
View full entry
zàoto make
HSK 510 strokes
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Write 塑造

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

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Grammar Patterns of 塑造

塑造 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 6 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 1

Complete the Sentence

您的影片是否将杰姆·加里森____成一名英雄人物?

Does your film make a hero of Jim Garrison?

Example Sentences for 塑造 (1)

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1
您的影片是否将杰姆·加里森塑造成一名英雄人物?

nín de yǐng piàn shì fǒu jiāng jié mǔ· · jiā lǐ sēn sù zào chéng yī míng yīng xióng rén?

Does your film make a hero of Jim Garrison?

Cultural Notes for 塑造

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, the concept of 塑造 extends beyond physical modeling to include shaping one's character and reputation, reflecting the importance of personal development and social perception.

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

While both Chinese and Western cultures value the concept of shaping identity and art, Chinese culture often emphasizes the collective aspect of character development, whereas Western cultures may focus more on individualism.

Frequently Asked Questions about 塑造

Yes, while it is often used in formal contexts, you can use 塑造 to describe personal growth or character development in casual discussions.