抽象 (chōuxiàng) — Abstract
HSK 4 | adjective/verb | abstract; to abstract
抽象 (chōuxiàng)
抽象 describes something that is theoretical, conceptual, or not concrete and tangible.
Meanings
- [adjective] abstract; theoretical; intangible; not concrete
- [verb] to abstract; to extract (a concept from something)
Example Sentences
哲学上的很多概念都非常抽象，很难理解。 Zhéxué shàng de hěn duō gàiniàn dōu fēicháng chōuxiàng, hěn nán lǐjiě. Many philosophical concepts are very abstract and difficult to understand.
他喜欢画抽象画，风格很独特。 Tā xǐhuān huà chōuxiàng huà, fēnggé hěn dútè. He likes to paint abstract art; his style is very unique.
请用具体例子来解释这个抽象的概念。 Qǐng yòng jùtǐ lìzi lái jiěshì zhège chōuxiàng de gàiniàn. Please use specific examples to explain this abstract concept.
"自由"是一个很抽象的概念，不同人有不同理解。 "Zìyóu" shì yīgè hěn chōuxiàng de gàiniàn, bùtóng rén yǒu bùtóng lǐjiě. "Freedom" is a very abstract concept; different people have different understandings.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 抽象概念 | abstract concept |
| 抽象画 | abstract painting |
| 抽象思维 | abstract thinking |
| 过于抽象 | too abstract |
Usage Notes
抽象 is the opposite of 具体 (concrete/specific). When explaining ideas in Chinese, it is very common to use the pairing 抽象 vs 具体 to contrast theoretical notions with tangible examples. At B1 level, it is most often used as an adjective to describe concepts, ideas, or art.
Memory Hook
抽 means "to pull out/extract" and 象 means "shape/image" -- 抽象 is pulling the shape out of reality, leaving only an abstract idea with no physical form.