It is a versatile word used to describe how someone or something looks or behaves.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to the external appearance of a person or object.
- Describes the state or manner in which something appears.
- Used frequently in daily conversation to guess or infer situations.
1) 概览：“样子”是中文里非常高频的词汇，主要用于描述视觉上的外观（外貌）或抽象的形态（状态）。它既可以指具体的人或物，也可以指某种趋势或表现。
2) 使用模式：常见用法包括“什么样子”（询问状态）、“……的样子”（修饰语+样子）、“装出……的样子”（模拟状态）。它常与动词“看”、“长”、“做”搭配使用。
3) 常见语境：在描述他人穿着打扮时，如“他今天看起来很有精神的样子”；在推测事物发展时，如“天阴沉沉的，一副要下雨的样子”；在形容人的神态时，如“他哭笑不得的样子”。
4) 同义词辨析：与“外貌”相比，“样子”更口语化，范围更广，不仅指长相，还包括神态和状态；与“形状”相比，“样子”更侧重于整体的观感，而非几何结构的描述。
Examples
他笑起来的样子很可爱。
everydayHe looks cute when he smiles.
这栋建筑的样子非常独特。
formalThe appearance of this building is very unique.
别装出一副无辜的样子。
informalDon't act like you're innocent.
根据目前的样子来看，项目进展顺利。
academicJudging by the current situation, the project is progressing well.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
像个样子
to look decent or proper
没个样子
to be messy or lack discipline
那个样子
that kind of appearance
Often Confused With
Refers specifically to geometric shape or physical form. '样子' is broader and includes appearance and manner.
Refers to the external physical look. '样子' can also describe a person's behavior or a situation's status.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '样子' primarily in informal or neutral settings. It is highly flexible and can replace more specific nouns when the speaker is being casual. Avoid using it in highly formal documents where '外观' or '态势' might be more appropriate.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often overuse '样子' for abstract concepts that require '情况' (situation). Remember that '样子' is primarily visual or behavioral. Ensure the modifier before '样子' is an adjective or a phrase describing the state.
Tips
Use with '看' for visual judgment
Combine '看起来' (looks like) with '样子' to express your subjective judgment about someone's appearance or a situation.
Avoid formal writing
While '样子' is perfect for daily speech, use more precise words like '外观' or '形态' in formal academic or business reports.
Natural expression of emotion
Chinese speakers often use '样子' to describe a person's emotional state through their facial expressions, which is a key way to show empathy.
Word Origin
Derived from '样' (pattern/type) + '子' (nominal suffix). Historically evolved from describing physical patterns to general outward appearances.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, commenting on someone's '样子' (appearance/manner) is a common way to initiate social interaction. However, be careful as overly direct comments on appearance can sometimes be perceived as intrusive.
Memory Tip
Think of '样子' as 'Y-appearance'. Imagine a mirror (Yang) showing your reflection (Zi).
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“外貌”通常仅指人的长相，比较正式。“样子”涵盖范围更广，包括外表、神态、姿态，甚至事物的状态，口语中使用频率极高。
这是一个固定搭配，通常用来形容某人表现出的某种神态或某种事物呈现出的某种趋势，例如“一副生气的样子”。
可以，常用于描述物体的外观形状或设计风格，例如“这个杯子的样子很特别”。
可以使用“……是什么样子的？”来询问事物的具体情况或外观。
Test Yourself
他看起来很累，一副没睡好的___。
在口语中形容人的神态，使用“样子”最自然。
这件衣服的样子很时髦。
此处描述的是衣服的款式或外观。
看起来 / 的 / 你 / 样子 / 很开心
这是描述某人状态的标准句式。
Score: /3
Summary
It is a versatile word used to describe how someone or something looks or behaves.
- Refers to the external appearance of a person or object.
- Describes the state or manner in which something appears.
- Used frequently in daily conversation to guess or infer situations.
Use with '看' for visual judgment
Combine '看起来' (looks like) with '样子' to express your subjective judgment about someone's appearance or a situation.
Avoid formal writing
While '样子' is perfect for daily speech, use more precise words like '外观' or '形态' in formal academic or business reports.
Natural expression of emotion
Chinese speakers often use '样子' to describe a person's emotional state through their facial expressions, which is a key way to show empathy.
Examples
4 of 4他笑起来的样子很可爱。
He looks cute when he smiles.
这栋建筑的样子非常独特。
The appearance of this building is very unique.
别装出一副无辜的样子。
Don't act like you're innocent.
根据目前的样子来看，项目进展顺利。
Judging by the current situation, the project is progressing well.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
More general words
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
大约
B1Used to show that a number or amount is not exact; approximately.
上边
A2above, on top
上面
A1on, above, over
