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B1 noun 9 min read

刻画

kèhuà

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 刻画 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 刻画 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 刻画 (kèhuà) yourself, but you might see it in very simple contexts related to drawing or art. In its most basic sense, think of it as 'drawing a picture' (画画) but with more focus on the details. At this stage, just focus on the second character 画 (huà), which you know means 'to draw.' If you see 刻画, just remember it's a fancy way to say someone is drawing or describing something very carefully. For example, if a teacher says '刻画一个小猫,' they are asking you to draw a kitten with lots of detail, not just a circle and some whiskers. It's like 'super-drawing.' However, for most A1 students, sticking to '画' or '说' (to say/describe) is perfectly fine. You will mostly encounter this word in titles of simple art books or when a teacher is praising a student's detailed drawing by saying '你刻画得很好' (You depicted it very well).

At the A2 level, you begin to distinguish between basic actions and more specific ones. While you likely use '描写' (miáoxiě) to describe things, you might start to see 刻画 (kèhuà) in stories or descriptions of people. At this level, understand that 刻画 is often used when talking about characters in a book or movie. If you are describing your favorite cartoon character, you might say '这个人物刻画得很可爱' (This character is portrayed very cutely). You are moving from just saying 'The character is cute' to 'The way they made the character is cute.' This shows you are starting to notice the 'work' behind the story. You should recognize that 刻 (kè) means 'to carve,' so 刻画 is like 'carving a drawing.' It's a more 'permanent' and 'careful' way of describing. You might use it in a simple sentence like '他用笔在纸上刻画' (He depicted [something] with a pen on paper), though this is still quite literal.

At the B1 level, 刻画 (kèhuà) becomes a key vocabulary word for discussing media, literature, and art. This is the stage where you should start using it in your own writing and speaking. When you talk about a movie you liked, don't just say '故事很好' (The story is good). Instead, say '电影对主角的刻画很深刻' (The movie's portrayal of the protagonist is very deep). This level requires you to understand that 刻画 isn't just about drawing lines; it's about 'characterization.' You should be able to use it with abstract objects like '性格' (personality) or '心理' (psychology). You are now expected to know that 刻画 is a formal word. If you are writing a book report or an essay for a Chinese class, 刻画 is the perfect word to use when analyzing how an author makes a character feel real. You should also be able to recognize it in the '把' construction, like '把这个英雄刻画得非常勇敢' (portrayed this hero as very brave).

At the B2 level, you should use 刻画 (kèhuà) with nuance and precision. You should understand the difference between 刻画 and its synonyms like 塑造 (sùzào - to mold/shape) or 勾勒 (gōulè - to sketch). At this level, you might use 刻画 to discuss social issues or complex themes. For example, '这篇文章真实地刻画了当代年轻人的压力' (This article truly depicts the pressure on contemporary young people). You should also be comfortable using it as a noun in more complex sentence structures, such as '这种细腻的人物刻画在现代文学中并不多见' (This kind of delicate character portrayal is rare in modern literature). You should also start noticing how 刻画 is used in art criticism, referring to the 'delineation' of lines or the 'rendering' of light and shadow. Your goal at B2 is to use the word to show that you can analyze the *method* of a creator, not just the *content* of their work.

At the C1 level, your use of 刻画 (kèhuà) should be indistinguishable from a native speaker's academic or professional use. You should be able to discuss the 'psychological realism' (心理刻画) of a text or the 'stylized portrayal' (风格化的刻画) in a film. You should understand the historical and etymological roots of the word—how the 'carving' (刻) aspect implies a meticulous, almost laborious process of creation. You can use it in high-level debates about representation in media, such as '这种刻画是否带有刻板印象？' (Does this portrayal carry stereotypes?). At this level, you should also be familiar with idiomatic expressions that often accompany 刻画, such as '入木三分' (penetrating) or '栩栩如生' (lifelike). You can use the word to describe not just people, but abstract eras, social atmospheres, or philosophical concepts. Your usage should reflect an understanding that 刻画 is an act of 'intentional representation' that shapes how the audience perceives reality.

At the C2 level, you have a complete grasp of the aesthetic and philosophical implications of 刻画 (kèhuà). You can use it in literary theory, discussing how 刻画 functions as a tool of 'mimesis' or how it interacts with the reader's imagination. You might use it to critique the limits of language itself, perhaps noting that '文字在刻画某些极端情感时显得力不从心' (Words seem inadequate when portraying certain extreme emotions). You understand the word's place in the broader history of Chinese art and literature, from the 'engraved' (刻) inscriptions on ancient bronzes to the 'portrayals' in modern digital media. You can use the word in extremely formal contexts, such as academic journals or keynote speeches, with total confidence. At this stage, 刻画 is not just a vocabulary word; it's a conceptual tool you use to deconstruct and analyze the very nature of artistic expression and human perception.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

刻画 in 30 Seconds

A formal term for 'portray' or 'depict' used in art and literature.
Implies a high level of detail, depth, and artistic skill.
Often used to describe characterization (psychological or physical).
Can be used as both a verb and a noun in academic contexts.

The Chinese word 刻画 (kèhuà) is a sophisticated term primarily used in the realms of literature, art, and detailed description. At its core, it means to portray, depict, or delineate. However, unlike simpler words for 'describe' (like 描写), 刻画 implies a level of precision and depth akin to carving an image into stone. The first character, 刻 (kè), means to carve or engrave, while 画 (huà) means to draw or paint. Together, they suggest a portrayal so vivid and meticulous that it leaves a lasting impression, much like a physical sculpture or an intricate engraving. In modern usage, you will most frequently encounter this word when critics or scholars discuss how a novelist develops a character's personality or how an artist captures the essence of a subject.

Literary Characterization: When an author goes beyond mere physical appearance to reveal a character's inner thoughts, motivations, and psychological complexity, we say they are '刻画人物' (portraying the character). This usage highlights the artistic skill involved in making a fictional person feel real and multi-dimensional.
Artistic Depiction: In the context of visual arts, 刻画 refers to the detailed rendering of features. For example, an artist might '刻画细节' (depict details) of a landscape or a face, emphasizing the meticulous effort put into every line and shadow.

这部小说对主人公心理的刻画非常入木三分。 (The portrayal of the protagonist's psychology in this novel is extremely profound and vivid.)

The word is versatile enough to be used as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it is the act of depicting; as a noun, it refers to the portrayal itself. It is particularly common in academic writing, literary criticism, and formal discussions about media. You won't typically hear it in a casual conversation about what someone ate for lunch, but you will certainly hear it if friends are discussing the latest prestige TV drama or a classic piece of literature. It carries a connotation of 'mastery'—if something is well-刻画, it means the creator has successfully captured the 'soul' of the subject.

Furthermore, 刻画 is often paired with adverbs that emphasize depth, such as 入木三分 (rù mù sān fēn), meaning 'penetrating the wood by three inches' (profound/vivid), or 生动 (shēngdòng), meaning 'vivid.' When you use 刻画, you are signaling that you are looking at the craft behind the description, not just the information being conveyed. It is a B1-level word because it marks the transition from basic communication to the ability to analyze and discuss abstract concepts like 'character development' and 'artistic intent.'

画家用细腻的线条刻画出了老人的沧桑。 (The painter depicted the old man's vicissitudes with delicate lines.)

Psychological Depth: Commonly used to describe the '心理刻画' (psychological portrayal) of characters in modern psychological thrillers or dramas.

Using 刻画 (kèhuà) correctly requires understanding its role as a transitive verb or a noun within a sentence. In its most common form, it follows the structure [Subject] + 刻画 + [Object], where the object is usually a person (人物), a feeling (情感), or a scene (场景). Because the word implies a high degree of detail, it is frequently modified by adverbs that describe the quality of the depiction.

作者通过对话生动地刻画了人物的性格。 (The author vividly portrayed the character's personality through dialogue.)

In the example above, 刻画 acts as the action the author is performing. Notice how '生动地' (vividly) enhances the verb. Another common structure is to use 刻画 as a noun, often preceded by an adjective or a possessive. For instance, '细腻的刻画' (delicate portrayal) or '对社会的刻画' (portrayal of society).

Structure: Verb Phrase: [Artist/Writer] + 刻画 + [Subject] + [Result/Detail]. Example: 他刻画得非常逼真 (He depicted it very realistically).
Structure: Noun Phrase: [Adjective] + 的 + 刻画. Example: 精彩的刻画 (A wonderful portrayal).

One of the most powerful ways to use 刻画 is in the context of '心理刻画' (psychological portrayal). This is a standard term in literary analysis. If you are writing an essay about a book, you might say: '作者对主角内心挣扎的刻画令人印象深刻' (The author's portrayal of the protagonist's inner struggle is impressive). This shows a high level of Chinese proficiency because you are moving beyond simple 'likes' and 'dislikes' into the territory of thematic analysis.

这部电影深刻地刻画了人性中的善与恶。 (This movie profoundly depicts the good and evil in human nature.)

Remember that 刻画 is rarely used for simple, factual descriptions. For example, you wouldn't use it to describe the weather forecast. You use it when there is an 'artistic' element involved. If a journalist writes a deep-dive profile on a politician, they might '刻画' that politician's rise to power. If a witness describes a suspect to the police, they might use '描述' (describe) rather than '刻画,' unless the witness is particularly poetic or the description is exceptionally detailed.

Common Objects of 刻画: 1. 人物 (People/Characters)
2. 形象 (Image/Persona)
3. 心理 (Psychology/Inner World)
4. 细节 (Details)
5. 现实 (Reality/Social Situation)

You will encounter 刻画 (kèhuà) in several specific environments. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the 'vibe' of the word. It is a staple of the 'literary and artistic' register (文学艺术语境).

1. Book and Film Reviews: Critics on platforms like Douban (Chinese IMDb/Goodreads) frequently use 刻画 to evaluate how well a director or writer handled a character. You might read: '导演对女性角色的刻画有些片面' (The director's portrayal of female characters is a bit one-sided).
2. Academic Lectures and Classrooms: In a Chinese literature class (语文课), teachers will often ask students: '作者是如何刻画这个人物的？' (How does the author portray this character?). This is a key question in analyzing text.

在《红楼梦》中，曹雪芹精细地刻画了数百个不同的人物。 (In 'Dream of the Red Chamber,' Cao Xueqin meticulously portrayed hundreds of different characters.)

You will also hear it in news reports that deal with biographies or historical accounts. When a documentary filmmaker discusses their work, they might say they wanted to '刻画出一个真实的时代' (portray a true era). This implies that they aren't just showing facts, but trying to capture the feeling and essence of that time.

In a museum or art gallery, the audio guide or description plaques will use 刻画 to describe the techniques used in sculptures or paintings. For instance, '这尊雕塑成功地刻画了运动员的力量感' (This sculpture successfully portrays the sense of strength of the athlete). Here, the word bridges its literal meaning (carving) with its figurative meaning (artistic expression).

3. Historical Documents: In history books, 刻画 is used to describe how historical figures are remembered or represented in folk tales vs. official records.

民间传说通常把这个英雄刻画成一个无所不能的人。 (Folklore usually portrays this hero as an omnipotent person.)

While 刻画 (kèhuà) is a powerful word, learners often misuse it by confusing it with similar terms or applying it to inappropriate contexts. The most common mistake is using it for simple, mundane descriptions.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 描写 (miáoxiě): 描写 is a general word for 'describe' or 'depict.' It can be used for anything—a house, a cat, a trip. 刻画 is more specialized. You '刻画' a character's soul or a deep psychological state. If you say '他刻画了那双鞋' (He portrayed those shoes), it sounds strange unless those shoes are a central, symbolic theme of a painting. Use 描写 for physical objects and 刻画 for deeper, artistic portrayals.
Mistake 2: Using it for factual reporting: If a policeman asks you to describe a car accident, do not use 刻画. Use 描述 (miáoshù) or 说明 (shuōmíng). 刻画 implies an artistic choice or a subjective depth that isn't appropriate for objective evidence.

Wrong: 警察请他刻画一下小偷的样子。 (The police asked him to 'portray' the thief's appearance.)
Right: 警察请他描述一下小偷的样子。

Another error is forgetting that 刻画 usually requires a complex object. You '刻画' an image (形象), a personality (性格), or a psychology (心理). You rarely just '刻画' a person's name or a single fact. It’s about the *whole* of the subject’s essence.

Mistake 3: Confusing with 绘画 (huìhuà): 绘画 is the noun for 'painting' as an art form. While 刻画 contains the character 画, it is a verb/noun for the *act* of portrayal. You can't say '我喜欢刻画' (I like portraying) as a hobby; you would say '我喜欢绘画' (I like painting).

Finally, be careful with the word's intensity. Because 刻 (kè) means to carve, it implies a certain permanence and effort. If a description is light, brief, or superficial, 刻画 is the wrong word. In those cases, use 略写 (lüèxiě - to briefly describe) or 提到了 (tídào le - mentioned).

To truly master 刻画 (kèhuà), you should know how it compares to its synonyms. Chinese has many words for 'describe,' each with a slightly different shade of meaning.

1. 描写 (miáoxiě): The most common synonym. 描写 is broad and can be used for scenery, objects, or people. It is more about the 'surface' description. 刻画 is a subset of 描写 that focuses on 'depth' and 'character.'
2. 塑造 (sùzào): Means 'to mold' or 'to shape' (like clay). Often used as '塑造形象' (shaping an image). While 刻画 is about 'detailing,' 塑造 is about the 'overall construction' of a character from scratch. They are often used together in literary reviews.
3. 描述 (miáoshù): A neutral, objective word for 'describe.' Used in technical, scientific, or everyday contexts. It lacks the artistic and psychological connotations of 刻画.

Example: 我们可以描述一个实验，描写一处风景，但我们通常会说刻画一个复杂的人物。 (We can describe an experiment, depict a scenery, but we usually say portray a complex character.)

Other alternatives include 表现 (biǎoxiàn - to express/show) and 勾勒 (gōulè - to sketch/outline). 勾勒 is particularly interesting because it implies a quick but effective sketch, whereas 刻画 implies a slow, detailed carving. If an author introduces a character quickly with just a few traits, they '勾勒' the character. If they spend three chapters on their childhood trauma, they '刻画' the character.

Summary Table: - **刻画**: Deep, detailed, artistic, psychological.
- **描写**: General, visual, descriptive.
- **塑造**: Structural, creating a persona.
- **描述**: Objective, factual, neutral.
- **勾勒**: Brief, sketching the outline.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '刻' contains the 'knife' radical (刂), reminding us that '刻画' is about 'cutting' a precise image into the reader's or viewer's mind.

Pronunciation Guide

UK kʰɤ̂ xuâ

US kʰɤ̂ xuâ

Equal stress on both syllables, common in Mandarin compound words.

Rhymes With

饿 (è) 贺 (hè) 话 (huà) 大 (dà) 骂 (mà) 夏 (xià) 怕 (pà) 挂 (guà)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'huà' as 'huā' (1st tone).
Failing to aspirate the 'k' in 'kè'.
Confusing 'kè' with 'kě' (3rd tone).
Merging the two falling tones into one long slide.
Pronouncing 'hua' as 'hoo-ah' instead of a quick 'hwa'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in literature and news, but requires understanding of abstract objects.

Writing 4/5

Difficult to distinguish from 描写 without practice.

Speaking 3/5

Used in formal discussions; rare in casual speech.

Listening 3/5

Easy to hear, but can be confused with other 'hua' words.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

画写人描述描写

Learn Next

塑造勾勒烘托铺垫渲染

Advanced

白描工笔意境典型化性格化

Grammar to Know

The Resultative Complement '出'

刻画出真实的自己 (Portray the real self)

Adverbial Modifier '地'

生动地刻画 (Vividly portray)

The '把' Construction

把他刻画成一个英雄 (Portray him as a hero)

The Degree Complement '得'

刻画得入木三分 (Portrayed profoundly)

Noun phrase with '的'

细腻的心理刻画 (Delicate psychological portrayal)

Examples by Level

他在纸上刻画了一个圆。

He depicted a circle on the paper.

Simple Subject + Verb + Object structure.

老师让我刻画一朵花。

The teacher asked me to depict a flower.

Using 刻画 as a task for detailed drawing.

这画里刻画的是什么？

What is depicted in this drawing?

Using '...的是什么' to ask about the subject.

他刻画得很快。

He depicts it very quickly.

Using the 'V+得+Adv' structure.

我想刻画我的家。

I want to depict my home.

Expressing intention with 想.

她在刻画一个小猫。

She is depicting a kitten.

Present continuous with 在.

你会刻画这个吗？

Can you depict this?

Asking about ability with 会.

这个刻画很漂亮。

This portrayal is very beautiful.

Using 刻画 as a noun.

这个故事刻画了一个英雄。

This story portrays a hero.

Transitioning to literary subjects.

他喜欢刻画小动物。

He likes to depict small animals.

Using 喜欢 to describe a hobby/habit.

这本书刻画了农村的生活。

This book portrays life in the countryside.

Using 刻画 for social settings.

你能刻画出她的样子吗？

Can you depict what she looks like?

Using the potential complement '出'.

画家刻画得非常认真。

The painter depicted it very seriously.

Describing the manner of action.

这些刻画非常生动。

These portrayals are very vivid.

Using the adjective 生动 (vivid).

他在日记里刻画了那天的情景。

He depicted the scene of that day in his diary.

Context of writing/journaling.

电影刻画了一个坏人。

The movie portrayed a villain.

Standard movie analysis.

小说对主角的心理刻画很到位。

The novel's psychological portrayal of the protagonist is spot on.

Introducing '心理刻画' (psychological portrayal).

作者成功地刻画了一个复杂的形象。

The author successfully portrayed a complex image.

Using '成功地' to describe the action.

这部剧把职场竞争刻画得很真实。

This drama portrays workplace competition very realistically.

Using the '把' construction for emphasis.

他在画作中细腻地刻画了光影。

He delicately depicted light and shadow in his painting.

Using the adverb 细腻 (delicate).

这种细节的刻画增强了故事的真实感。

This portrayal of details enhances the story's sense of reality.

Using 刻画 as a noun in a complex subject.

我们需要更好地刻画品牌的形象。

We need to better portray the brand's image.

Business context usage.

导演用黑白镜头来刻画孤独感。

The director uses black and white shots to portray a sense of loneliness.

Using '用...来...' (use... to...).

他的文字刻画出了那个时代的悲剧。

His words depicted the tragedy of that era.

Portraying abstract concepts like 'tragedy'.

这篇散文通过对景物的刻画，寄托了作者的哀思。

Through the portrayal of scenery, this prose conveys the author's grief.

Using '通过对...的刻画' as a prepositional phrase.

该剧深刻地刻画了人性中的矛盾与挣扎。

The play profoundly portrays the contradictions and struggles in human nature.

Abstract objects like 'contradictions' and 'struggles'.

这种入木三分的刻画让读者感同身受。

This profound portrayal makes readers feel the same.

Using the idiom 入木三分 (profound).

他在演讲中生动地刻画了未来的蓝图。

In his speech, he vividly depicted the blueprint for the future.

Portraying future concepts/plans.

电影对反派角色的刻画避免了脸谱化。

The movie's portrayal of the villain avoids stereotyping.

Using technical terms like 脸谱化 (stereotyping).

艺术家用雕塑刻画出劳动者的力量。

The artist used sculpture to portray the strength of the workers.

Combining literal and figurative meanings.

这部纪录片致力于刻画边疆人民的生活现状。

This documentary is dedicated to portraying the current living conditions of people in the border areas.

Using '致力于' (dedicated to).

他的小说以刻画小人物的喜怒哀乐见长。

His novels are known for portraying the joys and sorrows of ordinary people.

Using '以...见长' (to be good at/known for).

作者笔下的文字如手术刀般精准地刻画了社会的病灶。

The author's words depict the social ills with the precision of a scalpel.

Metaphorical use with high-level vocabulary.

这种多维度的刻画打破了传统叙事的局限性。

This multi-dimensional portrayal breaks the limitations of traditional narrative.

Discussing narrative theory.

画中的每一道线条都在刻画着岁月的沧桑。

Every line in the painting portrays the vicissitudes of time.

Personifying the 'lines' as the subject.

他不仅在刻画人物，更是在刻画一个时代的灵魂。

He is not just portraying characters, but more so the soul of an era.

Using '不仅...更是在...' for emphasis.

该论文深入探讨了鲁迅作品中对国民性的刻画。

The paper delves into the portrayal of national character in Lu Xun's works.

Academic context.

这种抽象的刻画方式赋予了作品更广阔的解读空间。

This abstract way of portrayal gives the work a broader space for interpretation.

Discussing artistic interpretation.

他擅长通过细节的堆砌来刻画一种压抑的氛围。

He is skilled at portraying an oppressive atmosphere through the accumulation of details.

Using '擅长' (be skilled at).

这种刻画并非无中生有，而是有着深厚的现实基础。

This portrayal is not groundless but has a deep foundation in reality.

Using the idiom 无中生有 (created out of thin air).

其作品对人性幽微处的刻画，达到了某种哲学的高度。

The portrayal of the subtle aspects of human nature in their work reaches a certain philosophical height.

Highly formal and abstract vocabulary (幽微).

这种去中心化的刻画策略，挑战了读者对主角的既定认知。

This decentralized portrayal strategy challenges the reader's established perception of the protagonist.

Literary theory terminology.

通过对光影流转的极简刻画，艺术家捕捉到了永恒的瞬间。

Through a minimalist portrayal of the flow of light and shadow, the artist captured an eternal moment.

Discussing minimalism and aesthetics.

史学家在编纂过程中，力求对历史人物进行公正的刻画。

Historians strive to provide a fair portrayal of historical figures during the compilation process.

Formal verb '力求' (strive to).

文字的张力在于其能够刻画出言语无法抵达的意境。

The tension of words lies in their ability to depict an artistic conception that speech cannot reach.

Philosophical discussion on language.

这种冷峻而客观的刻画，反而更具震撼人心的力量。

This cold and objective portrayal is, ironically, more powerful and shocking.

Using '反而' for a counter-intuitive effect.

他试图在有限的篇幅内刻画出无限的人生况味。

He tries to portray the infinite flavors of life within a limited space.

Poetic expression (人生况味).

这种对潜意识的艺术刻画，是超现实主义的核心特征。

This artistic portrayal of the subconscious is a core feature of surrealism.

Art history context.

Common Collocations

心理刻画

人物刻画

细腻的刻画

生动地刻画

深刻的刻画

细节刻画

入木三分地刻画

传神地刻画

真实地刻画

成功地刻画

Common Phrases

刻画入微

— To portray something with extreme detail and precision.

他的表演将角色的内心刻画入微。

刻画形象

— To portray an image or a persona.

广告旨在刻画一个高端的品牌形象。

刻画性格

— To portray a personality.

通过一系列冲突，作者刻画了主角坚韧的性格。

刻画灵魂

— To portray the soul/essence of something.

伟大的艺术家总是在刻画灵魂。

刻画背景

— To depict the background or setting.

第一章主要刻画了故事发生的历史背景。

刻画现实

— To depict reality.

批判现实主义文学致力于刻画真实的社会现状。

刻画情感

— To portray emotions.

这首歌深刻地刻画了失恋的痛苦。

刻画矛盾

— To depict contradictions or conflicts.

剧本精彩地刻画了新旧观念的矛盾。

刻画细节

— To depict details.

只有刻画好细节，作品才有说服力。

刻画入骨

— To portray so deeply it reaches the 'bones' (extremely vivid).

这篇文章对讽刺对象的刻画入骨。

Often Confused With

刻画 vs 描写

描写 is general; 刻画 is deep and artistic.

刻画 vs 绘画

绘画 is the act or art of painting; 刻画 is the portrayal of a subject.

刻画 vs 塑造

塑造 is about building a character; 刻画 is about detailing them.

Idioms & Expressions

"入木三分"

— Literally 'penetrating the wood by three inches.' Used to describe a very profound and vivid portrayal.

他对那个反派的刻画真是入木三分。

Literary

"栩栩如生"

— Lifelike; as if it were living. Often used to praise a realistic portrayal.

画中的老虎被刻画得栩栩如生。

Formal

"惟妙惟肖"

— Remarkably true to life; to hit off to a T. Used for imitations or artistic depictions.

他把那个老人的神态刻画得惟妙惟肖。

Formal

"传神阿堵"

— To convey the spirit through the eyes (referring to a portrait).

这幅肖像画最成功之处在于对眼睛的刻画，真是传神阿堵。

Literary

"画龙点睛"

— To add the touch that brings a work of art to life.

最后一段对人物心理的刻画起到了画龙点睛的作用。

General

"力透纸背"

— Literally 'strength penetrating through the paper.' Used for powerful writing or drawing.

他的文字力透纸背，深刻地刻画了人性的阴暗面。

Literary

"跃然纸上"

— To show up vividly on the paper; to come alive.

一个活泼可爱的少年形象跃然纸上。

Formal

"淋漓尽致"

— In a thorough and vivid manner; fully and delightfully.

作者将那种复杂的感情刻画得淋漓尽致。

General

"呼之欲出"

— So vivid that one seems to hear the voice or see the person coming out.

书中的人物形象丰满，呼之欲出。

Formal

"意到笔随"

— The pen follows the thought; to write/draw with ease and precision.

由于观察入微，他刻画起来意到笔随。

Literary

Easily Confused

刻画 vs 描写

Both mean 'to depict.'

描写 is for surface-level visuals; 刻画 is for deep psychological or character traits.

描写外貌 (describe appearance) vs. 刻画内心 (portray the inner heart).

刻画 vs 描述

Both mean 'to describe.'

描述 is objective and neutral; 刻画 is artistic and subjective.

描述过程 (describe a process) vs. 刻画形象 (portray an image).

刻画 vs 塑造

Both used for characters.

塑造 is the 'creation' of a character; 刻画 is the 'detailing' of that character.

塑造典型人物 (create a typical character) vs. 刻画细节 (depict details).

刻画 vs 勾勒

Both involve drawing/depicting.

勾勒 is a quick outline; 刻画 is a detailed carving.

勾勒轮廓 (sketch an outline) vs. 刻画入微 (depict in great detail).

刻画 vs 刻划

Identical pronunciation and similar meaning.

刻画 is more standard for artistic portrayal; 刻划 is often used for physical scratching or marking.

刻画人物 (portray character) vs. 在墙上刻划 (scratch on the wall).

Sentence Patterns

作者刻画了...的性格。

作者刻画了主角坚强的性格。

这部电影对...的刻画很深刻。

这部电影对战争的刻画很深刻。

通过...，作者生动地刻画了...。

通过对话，作者生动地刻画了人物。

刻画得...。

这个人物被刻画得栩栩如生。

对...的刻画入木三分。

他对人性的刻画入木三分。

致力于刻画...。

这位导演致力于刻画底层人民的生活。

其精妙之处在于对...的刻画。

其精妙之处在于对幽微情感的刻画。

笔触所及，尽是...的刻画。

笔触所及，尽是对时代变迁的刻画。

Word Family

Nouns

刻画 (Portrayal)

画家 (Painter)

画面 (Screen/Frame)

刻刀 (Carving knife)

Verbs

刻画 (To portray)

刻 (To carve)

画 (To draw)

刻印 (To engrave a seal)

Adjectives

刻画入微的 (Detailed)

生动的 (Vivid)

描写

塑造

表现

叙述

勾画

How to Use It

frequency

Common in writing and intellectual discussions; rare in daily chores talk.

Common Mistakes

Using 刻画 for simple descriptions. → 使用描写 (miáoxiě).
刻画 is for deep, artistic portrayal, not just saying what something looks like.
Using 刻画 as a synonym for 'drawing' as a hobby. → 使用绘画 (huìhuà).
绘画 is the activity; 刻画 is the act of depicting a specific subject.
Saying '刻画一个名字'. → 写下名字 (xiěxià míngzi).
You don't 'portray' a name; you write it. You portray a person's character.
Confusing the tones (e.g., saying kěhuà). → kèhuà.
Incorrect tones can lead to confusion with other words like 'plan' (规划 - guīhuà).
Using it in objective scientific reports. → 使用描述 (miáoshù).
Scientific reports should be neutral; 刻画 is too artistic.

Tips

Elevate Your Writing

Replace '写' (xiě) with '刻画' in your literature reviews to sound more academic.

The Knife and the Brush

Remember the 'knife' radical in 刻 and the 'drawing' in 画. It’s 'carving a drawing.'

Pair with 心理

The phrase '心理刻画' (psychological portrayal) is extremely common and useful.

Depth Matters

Only use 刻画 when the description has depth; otherwise, stick to 描写.

Visual Art

In art, use it to describe the 'rendering' of specific features like 'light and shadow' (光影).

Drama and Film

It is the standard word for discussing how actors or directors present a character.

The '把' Trick

Use '把 [Object] 刻画成 [Result]' to describe how someone is represented (e.g., as a hero or a villain).

Use with 入木三分

If you want to praise a brilliant description, use the idiom '入木三分' with 刻画.

Two 4th Tones

Make sure both syllables are sharp, falling tones: KÈ-HUÀ.

Relatability

Use it to tell a creator their relatable content is 'spot on' (刻画得太准了).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a sculptor with a knife (刻) and a painter with a brush (画). They are both working on the same person to make them look real.

Visual Association

Imagine a wooden block where a face is being slowly and carefully carved out with a sharp tool.

Word Web

Art Character Detail Literature Precision Psychology Vivid Author

Challenge

Try to describe your best friend using the word 刻画 in a sentence about their personality.

Word Origin

The term combines '刻' (kè), which originally referred to carving or engraving on hard surfaces like bone or wood, and '画' (huà), which referred to drawing or painting.

Original meaning: Originally, it literally meant to carve out a pattern or an image, such as in woodblock printing or sculpture.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but ensure you don't use it for trivial things, as it might sound overly dramatic or sarcastic.

In English, we often use 'portray' or 'depict,' but 'characterization' is the closest academic equivalent for '人物刻画'.

鲁迅 (Lu Xun) is famous for his sharp '刻画' of the Chinese national character. 曹雪芹 (Cao Xueqin) in 'Dream of the Red Chamber' is the master of '细腻刻画'. The movie 'Farewell My Concubine' is often praised for its '刻画' of historical turmoil.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Literature Class

分析人物刻画
作者如何刻画
心理刻画的作用
细腻的刻画

Art Gallery

刻画细节
线条的刻画
传神的刻画
光影的刻画

Film Review

导演的刻画
角色刻画
反派的刻画
深刻地刻画

Business Branding

刻画品牌形象
市场定位的刻画
用户画像的刻画
生动刻画

History Study

历史人物的刻画
时代的刻画
真实刻画
刻画背景

Conversation Starters

"你觉得这部电影对反派的刻画成功吗？"

"哪本书的人物刻画最让你印象深刻？"

"在你的画作中，你最注重刻画哪些细节？"

"作者是怎么通过对话来刻画人物性格的？"

"你认为现代文学在心理刻画上有什么特点？"

Journal Prompts

尝试用几段话刻画一下你最好的朋友，不仅要写外貌，还要写性格。

评论你最近看的一部电视剧，重点分析其中的人物刻画。

如果你要刻画一个“勇敢”的形象，你会选择什么样的场景？

描述一次你感到被深深理解的瞬间，并刻画出当时的心情。

观察公园里的一个陌生人，试着在日记里刻画他们的形象。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but only if you are talking about how an artist or writer depicted that sunset in their work. If you are just describing the sunset you see right now, use 描写 or 美丽.

It can be both. As a verb: '他刻画了人物' (He portrayed the character). As a noun: '细腻的刻画' (A delicate portrayal).

Use 描写 for physical descriptions of the setting. Use 刻画 when you analyze the characters' thoughts and growth.

No, that is too artistic. Use 描述 (miáoshù) or 提供特征 (tígòng tèzhēng).

It's common if you talk about books, movies, or games. It's not common when talking about grocery shopping or weather.

Not necessarily, but it implies effort. You can say '刻画得很失败' (the portrayal was a failure).

The most common way is '人物刻画' (rénwù kèhuà).

Yes, an author can '刻画' the concept of freedom through a story or a painting.

It means to portray something so meticulously that even the smallest details are captured perfectly.

Yes, but usually only if the appearance reveals something about their character (e.g., '刻画出他饱经风霜的脸').