貌 (mào) - Appearance, looks, countenance & outward form

貌Tone 4

mào ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

伦妙

貌 · mào

Appearance, looks, countenance;

outward form;

semblance;

also used in words describing manner or demeanor.

Appearance, looks, countenanceoutward formsemblance

Usage highlights

AppearanceLooksMannerLandformPhysiognomyOutward appearance

Synonyms

  • 容— appearance, countenance
  • 相— looks, appearance (especially in physiognomy)
  • 形— form, shape

Antonyms

  • 实— substance, reality
  • 质— essence, nature

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Her appearance is elegant (她的外貌很优雅).
  • He has a dignified manner (他仪貌堂堂).
  • Don't judge by appearances (不要以貌取人).
  • The landscape has a beautiful appearance (地貌很美).

Collocations

  • Appearance(外貌)
  • Looks(容貌)
  • Manner(礼貌)
  • Landform(地貌)
  • Physiognomy(相貌)
  • Outward appearance(外貌)

Idioms

  • Don't judge a book by its cover(人不可貌相)
  • Judge people by their appearance(以貌取人)
  • Outwardly strong but inwardly weak(貌合神离)
  • Change beyond recognition(面貌全非)
  • Grand and dignified(道貌岸然)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese culture, 貌 emphasizes the distinction between outward appearance and inner reality, as seen in idioms like 人不可貌相.
  • The character is associated with traditional physiognomy (相面), the practice of reading personality from facial features.
  • 貌 often appears in discussions about etiquette and social conduct, particularly in the word 礼貌 (politeness).

FAQ