象征 (xiàngzhēng) — symbolism; to symbolize

象征 (xiàngzhēng)

象征 functions as both a noun (a symbol) and a verb (to symbolize). It describes the use of concrete objects, images, or actions to represent abstract concepts. In Chinese literary and cultural discourse, 象征 is central to discussions of poetic imagery and artistic meaning. It differs from 比喻 (bǐyù) in that 比喻 is an explicit comparison, while 象征 implies a deeper, more sustained association between image and meaning.

Meanings

1. [n] symbol; symbolism; a representation of something abstract through something concrete
2. [v] to symbolize; to represent abstractly

Example Sentences

在中国文化中，龙是权力和吉祥的象征。 Zài Zhōngguó wénhuà zhōng, lóng shì quánlì hé jíxiáng de xiàngzhēng. In Chinese culture, the dragon is a symbol of power and good fortune.

白鸽通常被用来象征和平与希望。 Báigē tōngcháng bèi yòng lái xiàngzhēng hépíng yǔ xīwàng. The white dove is commonly used to symbolize peace and hope.

这部小说中的大海象征着自由和无限的可能性。 Zhè bù xiǎoshuō zhōng de dàhǎi xiàngzhēng zhe zìyóu hé wúxiàn de kěnéngxìng. The sea in this novel symbolizes freedom and infinite possibility.

象征主义是十九世纪末欧洲重要的文学和艺术运动。 Xiàngzhēng zhǔyì shì shíjiǔ shìjì mò Ōuzhōu zhòngyào de wénxué hé yìshù yùndòng. Symbolism was an important literary and artistic movement in late nineteenth-century Europe.

这枚戒指对她来说不只是首饰，更是两人爱情的象征。 Zhè méi jièzhi duì tā lái shuō bù zhǐ shì shǒushì, gèng shì liǎng rén àiqíng de xiàngzhēng. This ring is not just jewelry to her; it is also a symbol of their love.

诗人用凋零的秋叶象征人生的短暂和无常。 Shīrén yòng diāolíng de qiūyè xiàngzhēng rénshēng de duǎnzàn hé wúcháng. The poet used withering autumn leaves to symbolize the brevity and impermanence of life.

Collocations

Usage Notes

As a verb, 象征 often appears in the structure [A] 象征 [B] or [A] 被用来象征 [B]. As a noun, the common pattern is [A] 是 [B] 的象征, meaning "[A] is a symbol of [B]." The derived term 象征主义 (xiàngzhēng zhǔyì) refers to the Symbolist movement in literature and art.

象征 implies an inherent or culturally established connection between the symbol and what it represents, making it stronger and more fixed than 比喻 (simile/metaphor), which is a deliberate rhetorical comparison. In everyday speech, people use 象征 to talk about cultural icons or ceremonial gestures (e.g., 这只是象征性的 — "this is merely symbolic").

Memory Hook

象 can mean image or elephant; 征 means to indicate or evidence — 象征 is an "image that indicates" something deeper, a symbol.