形 (xíng) - form, shape, appearance & to manifest, to describe

形Tone 2

xíng ｜ 7 strokes ｜ radical: 彡

信嫣

形 · xíng

form, shape, appearance;

to manifest, to describe;

to compare

form, shape, appearanceto manifest, to describeto compare

Usage highlights

shapeformappearanceimageadjectivegeometry

Synonyms

  • 状— form, state, condition
  • 貌— appearance, looks
  • 态— posture, state

Antonyms

  • 神— spirit, essence (opposite of physical form)
  • 意— meaning, idea (opposite of outward form)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The shape of the object is circular (物体的形状是圆形的).
  • He is forming a new habit (他正在形成新的习惯).
  • This word is an adjective (这个词是形容词).
  • The artist depicted the scenery vividly (画家生动地描绘了景色).

Collocations

  • shape(形状)
  • form(形式)
  • appearance(外形)
  • image(形象)
  • adjective(形容词)
  • geometry(几何形)

Idioms

  • Like a fleeting shadow(形同虚设)
  • Form and spirit both exist(形神兼备)
  • Follow the form but lose the spirit(形似神离)
  • Reveal one's true form(原形毕露)
  • Form and shadow cannot be separated(形影不离)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese philosophy, '形' represents the physical, tangible aspect of things, often contrasted with '神' (spirit) or '意' (meaning).
  • In art and calligraphy, '形似' (formal resemblance) and '神似' (spiritual resemblance) are key aesthetic concepts.
  • The character combines '开' (to open/reveal) and '彡' (decorative strokes), suggesting the manifestation of form.

FAQ