描绘 (miáohuì) — to depict; to portray
HSK 5 | verb | to depict; to describe with detail and color
描绘 (miáohuì)
描绘 means to depict or portray something in vivid detail, whether through words, images, or other artistic means, suggesting a rich, pictorial quality of description.
Meanings
- [verb] to depict; to portray; to describe with vivid detail
- [verb] to draw or paint (a scene, figure, or world) in words or images
Example Sentences
这位作家善于用细腻的笔触描绘人物的内心世界。 Zhè wèi zuòjiā shànyú yòng xìnì de bǐchù miáohuì rénwù de nèixīn shìjiè. This writer excels at depicting characters' inner worlds with delicate strokes.
这幅画描绘了一幅宁静的乡村田园风景。 Zhè fú huà miáohuìle yī fú níngjìng de xiāngcūn tiányuán fēngjǐng. This painting depicts a tranquil rural pastoral landscape.
报告生动地描绘了改革开放后中国城市的变迁。 Bàogào shēngdòng de miáohuìle gǎigé kāifàng hòu Zhōngguó chéngshì de biànqiān. The report vividly depicted the transformation of Chinese cities after the reform and opening up.
诗人用优美的语言描绘了春天的景象。 Shīrén yòng yōuměi de yǔyán miáohuìle chūntiān de jǐngxiàng. The poet depicted the scenery of spring with beautiful language.
科幻小说经常描绘出未来世界的种种可能。 Kēhuàn xiǎoshuō jīngcháng miáohuì chū wèilái shìjiè de zhǒngzhǒng kěnéng. Science fiction often depicts the various possibilities of the future world.
他的回忆录详尽地描绘了那个时代的社会风貌。 Tā de huíyìlù xiángjìn de miáohuìle nà gè shídài de shèhuì fēngmào. His memoirs meticulously depicted the social landscape of that era.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 细腻描绘 (xìnì miáohuì) | delicately depict |
| 生动描绘 (shēngdòng miáohuì) | vividly portray |
| 描绘景象 (miáohuì jǐngxiàng) | depict a scene |
| 描绘人物 (miáohuì rénwù) | portray a character |
| 描绘未来 (miáohuì wèilái) | depict the future |
| 笔触描绘 (bǐchù miáohuì) | depict with brushstrokes |
Usage Notes
描绘 has a strong visual, pictorial connotation, drawing on the sense of 绘 (to paint/draw). It suggests a rich, colorful, and detailed portrayal, and is most natural in literary, artistic, and descriptive contexts. It contrasts with 描述 (miáoshù), which is more neutral and factual in tone, suitable for reports and descriptions that don't emphasize artistic quality.
Both words can be used interchangeably in some contexts, but 描绘 always carries a sense of artistry and vividness. At B2, learners should use 描绘 when the description is intended to be evocative or literary.
Memory Hook
MIAO (描, to trace/describe) + HUI (绘, to paint/draw) = to trace and paint a vivid picture with words.