形象 (xíngxiàng) — image; figure; vivid
HSK 5 | noun/adjective | a person or organization's public image; also vivid/concrete representation
形象 (xíngxiàng)
An image is the impression that a person, organization, or country projects to others, shaped by appearance, behavior, and reputation. It can also describe a vivid or concrete representation.
Meanings
- [noun] image; public image; figure; persona; visual/mental representation
- [adjective] vivid; graphic; concrete; lifelike (in describing language or depictions)
Example Sentences
这次危机严重损害了公司的公众形象。 Zhè cì wéijī yánzhòng sǔnhàile gōngsī de gōngzhòng xíngxiàng. This crisis seriously damaged the company's public image.
老师用形象的比喻帮助学生理解复杂的概念。 Lǎoshī yòng xíngxiàng de bǐyù bāngzhù xuéshēng lǐjiě fùzá de gàiniàn. The teacher used vivid metaphors to help students understand complex concepts.
运动员在国际赛场上树立了良好的国家形象。 Yùndòng yuán zài guójì sàichǎng shàng shùlìle liánghǎo de guójiā xíngxiàng. The athletes built a positive national image on the international stage.
这部小说成功塑造了一个复杂而真实的英雄形象。 Zhè bù xiǎoshuō chénggōng sùzàole yīgè fùzá ér zhēnshí de yīngxióng xíngxiàng. This novel successfully shaped a complex and authentic heroic figure.
注重个人形象是职场礼仪的重要组成部分。 Zhùzhòng gèrén xíngxiàng shì zhíchǎng lǐyí de zhòngyào zǔchéng bùfèn. Paying attention to personal image is an important part of workplace etiquette.
他的演讲形象生动，深深打动了在场的每一位听众。 Tā de yǎnjiǎng xíngxiàng shēngdòng, shēnshēn dǎdòngle zàichǎng de měi yī wèi tīngzhòng. His speech was vivid and concrete, deeply moving every audience member present.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 公众形象 (gōngzhòng xíngxiàng) | public image |
| 国家形象 (guójiā xíngxiàng) | national image |
| 形象生动 (xíngxiàng shēngdòng) | vivid and lively |
| 塑造形象 (sùzào xíngxiàng) | to shape/build an image |
| 形象比喻 (xíngxiàng bǐyù) | vivid metaphor |
| 个人形象 (gèrén xíngxiàng) | personal image |
Usage Notes
形象 has two main functions. As a noun, it refers to the image or perception of a person, organization, or entity. As an adjective, it means "vivid" or "graphic" in the context of language or explanation -- 形象地说 (to put it vividly/concretely).
In modern Chinese, 形象 used as a noun is very common in public relations, politics, and media. The phrase 形象工程 (image project) is a slightly pejorative term for flashy government projects done for appearances rather than substance.
Memory Hook
形 (shape/form) + 象 (appearance/image) -- the shape and appearance that something projects to the outside world. What people see when they look at you.