The word '外貌' encapsulates the physical features and overall visual presentation of a person or object.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to a person's physical appearance or look.
- Can also describe the exterior shape of objects or buildings.
- Often used in social, professional, or descriptive contexts.
Overview
- 1概览：“外貌”是一个中性词，主要用于描述人或事物的客观视觉特征。它涵盖了五官、身材、衣着打扮所构成的整体视觉印象。在现代社会，它既用于日常交流，也常出现在文学作品或正式报告中。2) 使用模式：“外貌”通常与动词“形容”、“评价”、“判断”搭配，或者作为主语和宾语。例如，“注意外貌”或“外貌出众”。它不仅指天生的长相，有时也包含后天的修饰。3) 常见语境：在面试、相亲、社交礼仪或文学描写中，人们经常谈论外貌。虽然现代社会强调“内在美”，但外貌作为社交的第一印象，依然具有重要的沟通功能。4) 近义词辨析：“长相”更口语化，侧重于脸部特征；“容貌”书面语色彩更浓，多用于形容女性或优美的面容；“外观”则多用于描述建筑物、机器等非生物的外部形态。
Examples
她非常注重自己的外貌。
everydayShe cares a lot about her appearance.
该建筑的外貌设计极具现代感。
formalThe exterior design of the building is very modern.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
以貌取人
Judge a book by its cover
Often Confused With
Refers specifically to facial features. It is more informal and limited to people.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is neutral and fits both formal and informal registers. It is widely used in descriptive writing and professional evaluations. Be mindful that in some contexts, focusing solely on appearance may be considered impolite.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often confuse '外貌' with '性格'. Remember that '外貌' is strictly visual. Do not use it to describe abstract personality traits.
Tips
Focus on the context of usage
Use '外貌' for formal descriptions of people or objects. Use '长相' when chatting casually with friends.
Avoid judging people by appearance
Be careful when using this word in professional settings. Focusing too much on appearance can be perceived as superficial.
Cultural emphasis on appearance
In Chinese culture, while 'inner beauty' is highly valued, '外貌' is often seen as a reflection of self-discipline and respect for others.
Word Origin
The word combines '外' (external) and '貌' (appearance/form). Historically used in classical Chinese to describe the physical manifestation of a person.
Cultural Context
In Chinese society, maintaining a neat '外貌' is often associated with professionalism and respect. It is a common topic in social interactions but requires tact.
Memory Tip
Think of '外' (outside) and '貌' (form/look). It literally means the 'outside look' of something.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“外貌”适用范围更广，既可以指人，也可以指物；“长相”主要指人的面部特征，比较口语化。
可以使用“外貌出众”、“外貌端庄”、“相貌堂堂”等词汇来表达。
在正式场合评价他人外貌需谨慎，建议关注其专业能力，除非是在特定语境下，否则容易显得不够礼貌。
不可以，“外貌”仅指外部特征，与内在的性格、品质无关。
Test Yourself
他虽然___平平，但非常有才华。
句子是在对比外在条件与内在才华，因此选择“外貌”。
Score: /1
Summary
The word '外貌' encapsulates the physical features and overall visual presentation of a person or object.
- Refers to a person's physical appearance or look.
- Can also describe the exterior shape of objects or buildings.
- Often used in social, professional, or descriptive contexts.
Focus on the context of usage
Use '外貌' for formal descriptions of people or objects. Use '长相' when chatting casually with friends.
Avoid judging people by appearance
Be careful when using this word in professional settings. Focusing too much on appearance can be perceived as superficial.
Cultural emphasis on appearance
In Chinese culture, while 'inner beauty' is highly valued, '外貌' is often seen as a reflection of self-discipline and respect for others.
Examples
2 of 2她非常注重自己的外貌。
She cares a lot about her appearance.
该建筑的外貌设计极具现代感。
The exterior design of the building is very modern.
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