At the A1 level, you don't need to use '容貌' (róngmào) yet. Instead, you usually use simple words like '脸' (liǎn - face) or '漂亮' (piàoliang - pretty). If you see this word, just know it means 'face looks.' Imagine you are looking at a photo; '容貌' is everything on that person's face—their eyes, nose, and mouth together. It's a formal way of saying 'how someone looks.' At this stage, just recognize that '容' is related to the face and '貌' is related to how things look. You might see it in a very simple story describing a princess or a hero. Don't worry about using it in your own speaking yet; stick to '他很帅' (He is handsome).
At the A2 level, you are starting to describe people in more detail. You might encounter '容貌' in reading passages about family members or famous people. It's a step up from '长相' (zhǎngxiàng). While '长相' is what you say to your friends, '容貌' is what you might read in a textbook. You can start to understand sentences like '她的容貌很美' (Her appearance is beautiful). At this level, you should be able to distinguish '容貌' from '衣服' (clothes). Remember: '容貌' is only about the face. If someone changes their hair or wears glasses, their '容貌' might look different, but it's still about their facial features.
At the B1 level, you should begin to use '容貌' in your writing to sound more professional. Instead of saying '他的脸好看' (His face is good-looking), you can write '他的容貌很出众' (His appearance is outstanding). You will start to see this word in discussions about beauty, aging, and health. You should also learn common adjectives that go with it, such as '年轻' (youthful) or '改变' (change). This is the stage where you learn that '容貌' is a noun and doesn't change based on who you are talking about. You can use it to describe men, women, the elderly, or children. It is a very versatile and respectful word for describing someone's physical face.
At the B2 level, which is where '容貌' officially sits, you need to understand the nuances of this word. You should be able to use it in debates about '容貌焦虑' (appearance anxiety) or the ethics of plastic surgery. You should know that '容貌' is more formal than '长相' and more specific than '外貌.' You should be able to use it as a subject in complex sentences, such as '容貌并不能决定一个人的未来' (Appearance cannot determine a person's future). You will also encounter it in literature where it might be used metaphorically or with very specific adjectives like '清秀' (delicate and pretty) or '威严' (majestic/dignified).
At the C1 level, you should have a native-like grasp of '容貌.' You can use it in literary analysis to discuss character development—for example, how a character's '容貌' changes as they become more evil or more enlightened. You will understand its use in historical texts or formal legal documents. You should also be familiar with related idioms and four-character phrases (chengyu) that involve these characters. You can use '容貌' to discuss abstract concepts like the 'face' of an era or the 'facial features' of a culture in a highly metaphorical sense, although '面貌' is usually preferred for the latter. Your usage should be precise and contextually perfect.
At the C2 level, you understand the deep etymological roots of '容貌.' You can discuss how the meaning of '容' (to contain) influences the philosophical idea that the face 'contains' the soul. You can read classical Chinese texts where '容貌' might be used in the context of ritual and decorum (礼仪). You are able to distinguish between '容貌,' '面容,' '相貌,' '仪表,' and '神态' with absolute precision. You can write sophisticated essays on the societal impact of beauty standards, using '容貌' as a key technical term. You are also comfortable with the word's appearance in poetry and high-level academic discourse regarding psychology and sociology.

容貌 30 सेकंड में

  • A formal noun for facial appearance.
  • Specifically describes the face and features.
  • Commonly used in literature and formal contexts.
  • Used in phrases like 'appearance anxiety' (容貌焦虑).

The Chinese word 容貌 (róngmào) is a formal noun primarily used to describe a person's facial features, looks, or general facial appearance. While English often uses the broad term 'appearance,' 容貌 specifically targets the face and the aesthetic quality of one's countenance. It is a word you will encounter frequently in literature, formal descriptions, news reporting, and medical or forensic contexts. Understanding this word requires a grasp of its two constituent characters: 容 (róng), which relates to holding or containing (and by extension, the expression held on the face), and 貌 (mào), which refers to form, shape, or outward appearance. Together, they create a term that is more sophisticated than the colloquial 长相 (zhǎngxiàng).

Literary Usage
In classical and modern Chinese literature, authors use this word to provide detailed sketches of characters, often implying that a person's inner character might be reflected in their facial features.
Formal Contexts
Used in police reports or biological descriptions where 'facial features' need to be categorized precisely, such as 'facial features changed significantly.'

随着岁月的流逝,他的容貌发生了很大的变化。(As the years passed, his appearance underwent great changes.)

In modern society, particularly with the rise of social media and the 'beauty economy' (颜值经济), 容貌 is often discussed in the context of 'appearance anxiety' (容貌焦虑). This refers to the stress individuals feel regarding their facial attractiveness. Unlike '外貌' (wàimào), which can include clothing, height, and body shape, 容貌 stays focused on the face. If you are complimenting someone's natural facial beauty in a respectful, slightly formal way, this is the word to choose. It conveys a sense of objective observation rather than just a casual 'you look good.'

她拥有着如花般的容貌。(She possesses a flower-like appearance.)

Societal Reflection
The term is frequently used in discussions about plastic surgery (整形美容) to describe the goal of altering one's looks.

Furthermore, 容貌 is used when discussing the concept of 'preserving one's looks' (驻颜). In historical dramas, characters often seek elixirs to keep their 容貌 youthful forever. It carries a certain dignity and weight that 'looks' in English sometimes lacks. When you describe a city's 'appearance' or a building's 'look,' you would NOT use this word; it is strictly reserved for human beings. Using it for inanimate objects is a common mistake for learners who translate 'appearance' too broadly.

一个人的容貌并不能代表他的内心。(A person's appearance does not represent their inner heart.)

Using 容貌 correctly involves pairing it with appropriate adjectives and verbs. Because it is a formal noun, it often acts as the subject or object in sentences concerning change, maintenance, or evaluation of beauty. Common adjectives that modify 容貌 include 姣好 (jiǎohǎo - beautiful/fine), 衰老 (shuāilǎo - aging), 俊秀 (jùnxiù - handsome and elegant), and 平庸 (píngyōng - mediocre/plain). In sentence structures, you will frequently see it following possessive pronouns or being the target of verbs like 改变 (change), 毁坏 (destroy), or 保持 (maintain).

Descriptive Pattern
[Person] + 的 + 容貌 + [Adjective]. Example: 他的容貌十分出众 (His appearance is very outstanding).

尽管她已经五十岁了,但她的容貌依然年轻。(Although she is already fifty years old, her appearance is still youthful.)

In a more complex grammatical sense, 容貌 is often used in comparative structures. For instance, comparing a child to a parent often utilizes this word to emphasize facial resemblance. You might say '他们的容貌惊人地相似' (Their appearances are strikingly similar). Note that while '长得像' (looks like) is common in speech, using '容貌相似' elevates the register of your conversation or writing. It is also used in the context of professional ethics, such as '容貌歧视' (discrimination based on looks), which is a significant topic in modern workplace discussions in China.

他在事故中受了伤,容貌受损严重。(He was injured in the accident, and his appearance was severely damaged.)

Action-Oriented Pattern
[Verb] + 容貌. Example: 恢复容貌 (Restore one's appearance).

When discussing the impact of time, 容貌 is the standard word. Phrases like '容貌老去' (one's looks fading/aging) are common in reflective essays. It is important to distinguish this from '面色' (miànsè), which refers specifically to the complexion or color of the skin, and '表情' (biǎoqíng), which refers to facial expressions. 容貌 is about the structural and aesthetic reality of the face. For example, '虽然他很生气,但他的容貌依然很英俊' (Although he was angry, his facial features were still very handsome).

这种化妆技术可以完全改变一个人的容貌。(This makeup technique can completely change a person's appearance.)

In contemporary China, you will hear 容貌 in several key environments. One of the most prominent is the beauty and skincare industry. Advertisements for anti-aging creams or aesthetic clinics frequently use the term to sound more professional and scientific. Instead of saying 'make your face look better,' they might say '改善容貌' (improve facial appearance) or '焕发容貌新颜' (give the appearance a new glow). It carries a weight of authority that appeals to consumers looking for serious results.

In News and Media
Journalists use the word when reporting on celebrities or public figures, particularly when discussing how they have changed over time or handled the pressure of public scrutiny regarding their looks.

媒体经常讨论这位女演员的容貌是否自然。(The media often discusses whether this actress's appearance is natural.)

Another place you will encounter this word is in psychological and sociological discussions on platforms like Xiaohongshu or Weibo. The term 容貌焦虑 (appearance anxiety) has become a viral buzzword. Influencers and therapists use it to describe the phenomenon where young people feel intense pressure to meet unrealistic beauty standards. In these contexts, 容貌 is treated as a social currency or a source of psychological burden. Hearing it in a podcast or reading it in an article about mental health is very common for B2-level learners.

我们不应该因为容貌而感到自卑。(We should not feel inferior because of our appearance.)

In Legal and Medical Settings
If someone is describing a suspect or a patient is undergoing reconstructive surgery, '容貌' is the standard clinical and legal term used to describe the face.

Lastly, you will find it in historical and period dramas (wuxia or xianxia). Characters might use masks to hide their 容貌, or a villain might be described as having a 'sinister appearance' (容貌阴险). In these settings, the word helps to build a formal, slightly archaic atmosphere that distinguishes the dialogue from modern slang. If you are watching a TV show about the Tang Dynasty, pay attention to how they describe the beauty of the concubines; 容貌 will almost certainly be used.

他戴上面具,以遮挡自己的真容貌。(He put on a mask to hide his true appearance.)

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make is using 容貌 to describe things other than people. In English, we say 'the appearance of the building' or 'the appearance of the situation.' In Chinese, 容貌 is strictly for human faces. Using it for a house would sound very strange, almost as if you were suggesting the house has eyes, a nose, and a mouth. For objects, use 外观 (wàiguān) or 样子 (yàngzi).

Mistake: Over-application
Incorrect: 这座房子的容貌很漂亮 (The 'facial features' of this house are pretty). Correct: 这座房子的外观很漂亮.

错误:他的穿衣容貌很时髦。(Wrong: His dressing 'facial features' are stylish.)

Another mistake is confusing 容貌 with 表情 (biǎoqíng). 表情 refers to the temporary movement of facial muscles to express emotion (a smile, a frown). 容貌 refers to the permanent or semi-permanent features of the face. You can change your 表情 in a second, but changing your 容貌 usually requires time (aging) or surgery. If you say '他的容貌很开心,' it sounds like you are saying his facial structure is inherently 'happy,' which is confusing. You should say '他的表情很开心.'

正确:尽管他很悲伤,但他的容貌依然平静。(Correct: Although he was sad, his facial features remained calm.)

Register Errors
Using '容貌' in a very casual setting with close friends might seem a bit too formal or 'stiff.' In daily life, '长相' is much more common.

Finally, watch out for the confusion between 容貌 and 面貌 (miànmào). While they are similar, 面貌 is often used metaphorically to mean the 'outlook' or 'spirit' of a group, a city, or an era (e.g., 精神面貌 - mental outlook). 容貌 is strictly physical. If you want to say 'The city has a new look,' you must use 面貌, not 容貌.

不要过度关注容貌,而忽视了内在美。(Do not focus excessively on appearance while ignoring inner beauty.)

In Chinese, there are several words that translate to 'appearance' or 'looks,' and choosing the right one depends on the context and the level of formality. 容貌 is the most formal and specific to the face. Let's compare it with its closest synonyms to help you refine your vocabulary choices.

长相 (zhǎngxiàng)
This is the most common, everyday word for 'looks.' You use it with friends: '他长相挺帅的' (He's quite handsome). It's more of a verb-noun structure ('how one grew into a look').
外貌 (wàimào)
This is broader than '容貌.' It includes the face but also height, weight, and sometimes clothing. It's 'outward appearance' in general.
仪表 (yíbiǎo)
This refers to a person's bearing, appearance, and dress, usually in a professional or formal context. It's about 'presentation' and 'grooming.'

虽然他的容貌普通,但他的仪表非常大方。(Although his facial features are ordinary, his bearing is very elegant.)

When you are writing a novel or a formal essay, you might use 面容 (miànróng). This is very close to 容貌 but often carries a slightly more emotional or literary nuance. For example, '憔悴的面容' (a haggard face) sounds more evocative than '憔悴的容貌.' Another alternative is 相貌 (xiàngmào), which is almost interchangeable with 容貌 but is used more in the context of physiognomy (telling fortune by face) or general description.

面试官不仅看重你的能力,也会关注你的仪表。(The interviewer not only values your ability but also pays attention to your appearance/grooming.)

颜值 (yánzhí)
This is modern slang. It literally means 'face value' and is used to talk about how 'hot' or 'attractive' someone is. It's very common on the internet but never used in formal writing.

In summary, 容貌 sits in the middle-to-high register. It is the 'gold standard' word for describing the face in a way that is respectful, precise, and sophisticated. As a B2 learner, using 容貌 instead of 长相 in your essays or formal speeches will significantly improve the perceived level of your Chinese proficiency.

他的容貌中透着一种坚毅。(His appearance reveals a kind of perseverance.)

स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण

1

他的容貌很美。

His appearance is very beautiful.

Simple Subject + Adjective structure.

2

我不记得他的容貌了。

I don't remember his looks anymore.

Using '容貌' as an object of a verb.

3

她的容貌像妈妈。

Her appearance looks like her mother.

Comparing looks using '像'.

4

这个小孩的容貌很可爱。

This child's appearance is very cute.

Possessive '的' used with '容貌'.

5

看到她的容貌,他笑了。

Seeing her appearance, he smiled.

Using '容貌' in a time clause.

6

他的容貌没有变。

His appearance has not changed.

Negative '没有' with '变' (change).

7

你喜欢她的容貌吗?

Do you like her appearance?

Standard question particle '吗'.

8

这是一张描述容貌的画。

This is a painting describing looks.

Using '描述' (describe) with '容貌'.

1

虽然他老了,但容貌依然很好。

Although he is old, his appearance is still good.

Contrast using '虽然...但...'.

2

医生正在检查他的容貌。

The doctor is examining his facial features.

Present continuous '正在'.

3

她的容貌让人感到亲切。

Her appearance makes people feel warm/friendly.

Causative '让' (make/let).

4

这对双胞胎的容貌一模一样。

These twins' appearances are exactly the same.

Idiom '一模一样' (exactly the same).

5

请描述一下那个人的容貌。

Please describe that person's appearance briefly.

Using '一下' for a brief action.

6

岁月的痕迹留在他的容貌上。

The traces of time are left on his appearance.

Prepositional phrase '在...上'.

7

她的容貌比以前更漂亮了。

Her appearance is more beautiful than before.

Comparison using '比'.

8

他很在意自己的容貌。

He cares a lot about his own appearance.

Verb phrase '在意' (care about).

1

化妆可以暂时改变一个人的容貌。

Makeup can temporarily change a person's appearance.

Adverb '暂时' (temporarily) modifying '改变'.

2

我们不应该只根据容貌来判断人。

We should not judge people based only on appearance.

Structure '根据...来判断' (judge based on...).

3

他的容貌在事故后发生了变化。

His appearance changed after the accident.

Subject + '在...后' + Verb.

4

她那清秀的容貌给人留下了深刻印象。

Her delicate appearance left a deep impression on people.

Structure '给...留下印象'.

5

保持年轻的容貌是很多人的愿望。

Maintaining a youthful appearance is the wish of many people.

Verbal phrase as a subject.

6

他的容貌看起来比实际年龄小。

His appearance looks younger than his actual age.

Comparison with '实际年龄' (actual age).

7

这种药水能让你的容貌恢复如初。

This potion can make your appearance return to how it was.

Idiom '恢复如初' (restore to original state).

8

他用围巾遮住了自己的容貌。

He covered his appearance with a scarf.

Resultative complement '住' with '遮' (cover).

1

容貌焦虑已经成为现代年轻人的普遍问题。

Appearance anxiety has become a common problem for modern young people.

Compound noun '容貌焦虑'.

2

过度追求完美的容貌可能会带来心理压力。

Excessive pursuit of perfect appearance may bring psychological pressure.

Complex subject phrase.

3

法律禁止在招聘中存在容貌歧视。

The law prohibits appearance discrimination in recruitment.

Noun phrase '容貌歧视' (lookism).

4

他虽然容貌平凡,但才华横溢。

Although his appearance is ordinary, he is exceptionally talented.

Contrast using '虽然...但...' with '才华横溢'.

5

演员通过整形来维持自己的容貌。

Actors maintain their appearance through plastic surgery.

Preposition '通过' (through/by means of).

6

一个人的容貌往往反映了他的生活态度。

A person's appearance often reflects their attitude towards life.

Adverb '往往' (often/usually).

7

她试图用微笑来掩饰自己苍老的容貌。

She tried to use a smile to hide her aging appearance.

Structure '用...来掩饰' (use... to hide).

8

这种艺术形式强调对人物容貌的细致刻画。

This art form emphasizes the detailed portrayal of characters' appearances.

Noun phrase '细致刻画' (detailed portrayal).

1

文学作品中常以容貌的变化暗示人物命运的转折。

In literary works, changes in appearance are often used to imply a turning point in a character's fate.

Structure '以...暗示...' (use... to imply).

2

他的容貌在昏暗的灯光下显得有些诡异。

His appearance looked somewhat eerie under the dim light.

Adjective '诡异' (eerie/strange) modifying '容貌'.

3

这种文化对女性容貌的要求近乎苛刻。

This culture's demands for women's appearance are almost harsh.

Adverb '近乎' (nearly/bordering on).

4

他那饱经风霜的容貌诉说着过去的故事。

His weather-beaten appearance tells stories of the past.

Idiom '饱经风霜' (weather-beaten/hardened by experience).

5

容貌的衰老是自然规律,我们应当坦然面对。

The aging of appearance is a natural law; we should face it calmly.

Structure '应当坦然面对' (should face calmly).

6

他那威严的容貌令在场的所有人都感到敬畏。

His majestic appearance made everyone present feel in awe.

Causative structure '令...感到...'.

7

摄影师捕捉到了她容貌中那一抹转瞬即逝的忧伤。

The photographer captured that fleeting sadness in her appearance.

Complex noun phrase with '转瞬即逝' (fleeting).

8

他试图通过改变容貌来逃避法律的制裁。

He tried to escape the sanctions of the law by changing his appearance.

Structure '通过...来逃避' (through... to escape).

1

容貌之美固然悦目,但内在之德方为永恒。

The beauty of appearance is indeed pleasing to the eye, but inner virtue is eternal.

Formal contrast '固然...但...方为...'.

2

在这一哲学体系中,容貌被视为灵魂的外部延伸。

In this philosophical system, appearance is regarded as an external extension of the soul.

Passive structure '被视为' (be regarded as).

3

他那超凡脱俗的容貌仿佛不属于这个尘世。

His otherworldly appearance seemed not to belong to this mortal world.

Idiom '超凡脱俗' (otherworldly/transcendent).

4

该论文探讨了容貌在社会阶层流动中的隐形影响。

The paper explores the invisible influence of appearance in social class mobility.

Academic phrasing '探讨了...隐形影响'.

5

他的容貌在岁月的洗礼下愈发显得深邃。

His appearance became increasingly profound under the baptism of time.

Metaphor '岁月的洗礼' (baptism of time).

6

这种审美观将容貌的匀称视为最高境界。

This aesthetic view regards the symmetry of appearance as the highest realm.

Structure '将...视为...' (regard... as...).

7

尽管他身处高位,其容貌却始终保持着一种谦逊。

Despite his high position, his appearance always maintained a kind of humility.

Contrast '尽管...却始终...'.

8

诗人通过对容貌凋零的描写,感叹时光的无情。

Through the description of the withering of appearance, the poet laments the ruthlessness of time.

Formal structure '通过...感叹...'.

सामान्य शब्द संयोजन

改变容貌
容貌姣好
容貌焦虑
维持容貌
毁坏容貌
容貌出众
恢复容貌

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