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March 24, 2026
肖像xiàoxiàng(xiao4xiang4)
肖像 (xiào xiàng) refers to a portrait or representation of a person, typically in the form of a painting or photograph. It captures the likeness and character of an individual, often used in artistic or formal contexts to convey identity or status.
Frequency#11540DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
肖像 is significant in Chinese culture, especially in the context of ancestor worship and familial respect. Portraits of ancestors are often displayed in homes to honor and remember them during festivals.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'showing' ('肖') of a 'face' ('像') at an art gallery. The 'show' highlights the unique characteristics of a person, making it memorable. Visualize a large canvas with vibrant colors that depict someone’s personality.
Meanings of 肖像
xiàoxiàng(xiao4xiang4)
1portrait
2portrait (painting, photo etc)
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 肖像
肖像Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#11540Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 肖像
Podcast: 肖像
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AI Study Notes for 肖像
Quick Contrast
肖像 (xiàoxiàng) vs 画像 (huàxiàng): use 肖像 for a formal portrait, whereas 画像 is more general and can refer to any image or illustration.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'showing' ('肖') of a 'face' ('像') at an art gallery. The 'show' highlights the unique characteristics of a person, making it memorable. Visualize a large canvas with vibrant colors that depict someone’s personality.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include using 肖像 too broadly; it specifically refers to visual representations, not abstract concepts. It is often used in formal contexts, such as art critiques or exhibitions. Pay attention to the tone, ensuring to pronounce it with a falling tone on both characters.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 肖像 connects with other descriptive terms related to art and representation. Focus on vocabulary related to visual arts and portraits, as these will enhance your ability to discuss similar topics in Mandarin.
Cultural Note
肖像 is significant in Chinese culture, especially in the context of ancestor worship and familial respect. Portraits of ancestors are often displayed in homes to honor and remember them during festivals.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 肖像 with similar terms like 头像 (tóu xiàng), which means 'avatar' or 'profile picture.' Remember that 肖像 is specifically for portraits, while 头像 refers to smaller, often digital representations.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 肖像
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Grammar Patterns of 肖像
肖像 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
约翰逊先生的____画同样发人深省，而这样的画有很多。
Just as revealing are Mr Johnson'sportraits, of which there are dozens.
Example Sentences for 肖像 (3)
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1
约翰逊先生的肖像画同样发人深省，而这样的画有很多。
yuē hàn xùn xiān shēng de xiāo xiàng huà tóng yàng fā rén shēn shěng， ， ér zhè yàng de huà yǒu hěn。
Just as revealing are Mr Johnson'sportraits, of which there are dozens.
2
卢西恩·弗洛伊德已受邀为女王画肖像画。
lú xī ēn· · fú luò yī dé yǐ shòu yāo wéi nǚ wáng huà xiāo xiàng。
Lucian Freud has been asked to paint a portrait of the Queen.
3
镶有嵌板的墙上挂满了肖像。
xiāng yǒu qiàn bǎn de qiáng shàng guà mǎn le xiāo xiàng。
The panelled walls were covered with portraits.
Cultural Notes for 肖像
🏮Cultural insight
肖像 is significant in Chinese culture, especially in the context of ancestor worship and familial respect. Portraits of ancestors are often displayed in homes to honor and remember them during festivals.
Frequently Asked Questions about 肖像
肖像 specifically refers to portraits, usually of people, while 画像 can refer to pictures or images more generally, including landscapes or abstract art.
Yes, 肖像 can be used metaphorically to describe someone's representation in various contexts, but it's primarily associated with visual arts.
