When you want to talk about how something looks, feels, or acts, you use the verb 形容 (xíngróng). It means 'to describe' or 'to portray'.
Think of it as painting a picture with words. You are giving details to help someone understand what something is like.
For example, you can use 形容 to describe a person's appearance, a beautiful landscape, or even a feeling.
It's a useful word when you want to be more specific in your conversations.
When you want to describe something in Chinese, the word you'll use is 形容 (xíngróng).
You can use it to talk about how someone describes an event or how a book portrays a character. It's a straightforward word for talking about giving details or a picture with words.
When you want to talk about describing something in Chinese, the verb you'll often use is 形容 (xíngróng).
Think of it as explaining what something looks like, feels like, or what its characteristics are.
It's very common when you're talking about how someone or something is portrayed, or how words are used to capture an essence.
For instance, you might 形容 a beautiful landscape or someone's personality.
§ Basic Sentence Structure with 形容
The verb 形容 (xíngróng) means 'to describe' or 'to portray'. It's pretty straightforward to use in a sentence. Most of the time, you'll see it followed by what is being described. Think of it like saying 'to describe something'.
他用文字形容了美丽的风景。
Translation hint: He used words to describe the beautiful scenery.
很难形容我当时的感受。
Translation hint: It's hard to describe my feelings at that time.
§ Using 形容 with Adjectives or Phrases
You can also use 形容 to describe *how* something is. In this case, it often takes an adjective or a short phrase after it to complete the description.
这个词可以形容一个人很聪明。
Translation hint: This word can describe a person as very intelligent.
她的美无法用语言形容。
Translation hint: Her beauty cannot be described with words.
§ 形容 with '得' (de) for extent
Sometimes, you might see 形容 followed by '得' (de), which introduces a complement describing the result or extent of the action. This is a bit more advanced but very common in Chinese.
他把那个故事形容得很生动。
Translation hint: He described that story very vividly.
你的画形容得非常准确。
Translation hint: Your drawing described (it) very accurately.
§ Common Phrases with 形容
Here are some common phrases where you'll encounter 形容. These are good to memorize as they pop up frequently.
- 无法形容 (wúfǎ xíngróng): indescribable; beyond description
- 形容词 (xíngróngcí): adjective (literally, 'describing word')
- 形容不出来 (xíngróng bù chūlái): cannot describe; unable to articulate
- DEFINITION
- 无法形容 (wúfǎ xíngróng)
那里的景色美得无法形容。
Translation hint: The scenery there was so beautiful it was indescribable.
- DEFINITION
- 形容词 (xíngróngcí)
“美丽”是一个形容词。
Translation hint: "Beautiful" is an adjective.
- DEFINITION
- 形容不出来 (xíngróng bù chūlái)
我当时的心情真是形容不出来。
Translation hint: My mood at that time was truly indescribable (I couldn't describe it).
§ Prepositions with 形容
While 形容 itself is a verb, it often works with prepositions to specify *how* or *with what* something is described. The most common one you'll see is 用 (yòng), meaning 'to use' or 'with'.
- PREPOSITION
- 用 (yòng) - to use; with
他喜欢用诗歌形容爱情。
Translation hint: He likes to use poetry to describe love.
请你用三个词形容你的性格。
Translation hint: Please describe your personality using three words.
Remember, while 形容 is useful for describing things, try to vary your vocabulary! But for now, focus on these structures and you'll be able to use 形容 like a pro.
§ What 形容 Means
- DEFINITION
- 形容 (xíngróng) is a verb that means 'to describe' or 'to portray'. It's used when you want to explain what something or someone is like.
When you're learning Chinese, you'll hear and use 形容 a lot. It's a key word for talking about characteristics, feelings, and situations. Think of it as your go-to word for 'how would you describe...?'
§ Describing People
In daily conversations, you'll often use 形容 when talking about people. You might want to describe someone's personality, appearance, or even their mood.
他用形容
Translation hint: He used adjectives to describe that girl's personality.
我不知道该怎么形容
Translation hint: I don't know how to describe her beauty.
§ Describing Objects and Situations
You can also use 形容 to talk about objects, places, or even abstract situations. It's very versatile.
这部电影很难用语言形容。
Translation hint: This movie is hard to describe with words.
你用什么词来形容这个地方？
Translation hint: What words would you use to describe this place?
In a work setting, you might hear it when discussing project requirements or feedback:
- “请你形容一下你的理想客户。” (Please describe your ideal customer.)
- “你能形容一下报告中的主要发现吗？” (Can you describe the main findings in the report?)
§ 形容 in News and Formal Contexts
In news reports or more formal writing, 形容 is used to provide context and elaborate on events or situations.
新闻报道用“史无前例”来形容这次洪灾。
Translation hint: The news report used "unprecedented" to describe this flood disaster.
专家形容目前的经济形势复杂。
Translation hint: Experts described the current economic situation as complex.
§ Practice Using 形容
The best way to master 形容 is to use it. Try to describe things around you in Chinese. Think about:
- How would you 形容 your favorite food?
- How would you 形容 your job?
- How would you 形容 the weather today?
The more you practice, the more natural it will feel.
§ Don't Overuse It as a Direct Translation for 'Describe'
English speakers often default to using 形容 (xíngróng) every time they want to say 'describe'. While it certainly means 'to describe' or 'to portray', it's not always the most natural choice in every context. Chinese often prefers other verbs or structures depending on what exactly is being described and how.
§ Not for Describing How to Do Something
You wouldn't use 形容 to describe how to bake a cake or how to get to the train station. For instructions or processes, you'd use verbs like 解释 (jiěshì, to explain), 讲 (jiǎng, to tell/speak), or 说明 (shuōmíng, to explain/illustrate).
- Wrong Example
他形容了怎么做这道菜。(Tā xíngróng le zěnme zuò zhè dào cài.)
This sounds unnatural. You don't 'portray how to make a dish.'
- Correct Example
他解释了怎么做这道菜。(Tā jiěshì le zěnme zuò zhè dào cài. - He explained how to make this dish.)
§ Not for Describing Events or Stories
If you're recounting an event, telling a story, or giving an account of what happened, you're usually not 'describing' it in the sense of 形容. Instead, you'd use verbs like 讲 (jiǎng, to tell), 叙述 (xùshù, to narrate), or 描述 (miáoshù, to describe/depict, often for more detailed narrative).
- Wrong Example
他形容了昨天发生的事情。(Tā xíngróng le zuótiān fāshēng de shìqíng.)
Again, unnatural. It implies a 'portrayal' rather than a 'recounting' of events.
- Correct Example
他讲了昨天发生的事情。(Tā jiǎng le zuótiān fāshēng de shìqíng. - He told what happened yesterday.)
§ Using It Where 描述 (miáoshù) Might Be Better
Both 形容 and 描述 can mean 'to describe'. However, 描述 often implies a more detailed, vivid, or literary description, especially of objects, scenes, or people's appearances and characteristics. 形容 is often used when describing abstract qualities, feelings, or using an adjective to characterize something.
形容 (xíngróng): More about using adjectives or short phrases to characterize. Often implies a comparison or a general quality.
这个词很难形容。(Zhège cí hěn nán xíngróng. - This word is hard to describe/characterize.)
她用形容词来描述这幅画。(Tā yòng xíngróngcí lái miáoshù zhè fú huà. - She used adjectives to describe this painting.)
描述 (miáoshù): More about providing a detailed account, painting a picture with words. Can be used for concrete details.
他描述了事故的每一个细节。(Tā miáoshù le shìgù de měi yīgè xìjié. - He described every detail of the accident.)
请你描述一下那个人长什么样。(Qǐng nǐ miáoshù yīxià nà ge rén zhǎng shénme yàng. - Please describe what that person looks like.)
While there's overlap, consider 描述 when you're giving a more comprehensive, factual, or sensory account, and 形容 when you're broadly characterizing something or using an adjective to do so.
§ Don't Forget Its Adjectival Form Usage
形容 is also the first character in 形容词 (xíngróngcí), which means 'adjective'. Sometimes, the word 形容 itself can function almost adjectivally or be used in phrases that characterize something.
用言语难以形容。(Yòng yányǔ nányǐ xíngróng. - Hard to describe with words.)
Here, 难以形容 acts as a descriptive phrase for something that is beyond description. It's a subtle point, but recognizing this usage can help you understand why it appears in certain contexts where a simple 'describe' might not fit perfectly in English.
How Formal Is It?
"这本书成功地描绘了19世纪的社会风貌。(This book successfully portrays the social landscape of the 19th century.)"
"我不知道该如何形容我的感受。(I don't know how to describe my feelings.)"
"你能不能给我说说那是什么样的？(Can you tell me what it's like?)"
"小明，你能说说小猫咪长什么样子吗？(Xiaoming, can you tell me what the kitten looks like?)"
"你这是在搞什么鬼？我完全搞不懂。(What are you trying to 'do' here? I totally don't get it.)"
Fun Fact
The character '形' (xíng) means 'form' or 'shape', and '容' (róng) means 'appearance' or 'countenance'. Together, they form the idea of describing something's form or appearance.
Pronunciation Guide
- the 'sh' sound can be tricky for English speakers, make sure it's a soft 'sh' as in 'she', not a hard 's' as in 'see'.
- the 'i' in 'xi' is like the 'ee' in 'see'
- the 'ong' sound is similar to the 'ong' in 'song', but with a slightly more open mouth
Grammar to Know
Can be used with a direct object (noun/noun phrase) to describe something. Subject + 形容 + Object
他形容这座山很美丽。 (He described this mountain as very beautiful.)
Can be used with a descriptive clause to describe what something is like. Subject + 形容 + Clause
她形容自己的生活充满了挑战。 (She described her life as being full of challenges.)
Often appears in the structure “用…形容…” (yòng… xíngróng…), meaning “to use… to describe…”
我不知道用什么词来形容我的感受。 (I don't know what words to use to describe my feelings.)
Can be followed by a complement of result to indicate how something is described. 形容 + 得 + Adjective/Adverb
他形容得非常生动。 (He described it very vividly.)
Can be used as a verb that takes an adjective as its object, effectively meaning 'to be described as (adjective)'. This is less common than other structures, but useful to know. Subject + 形容 + Adjective
这篇文章形容准确。 (This article describes accurately.)
Examples by Level
这本书形容得很详细。
This book describes in detail.
他用中文形容他的家。
He describes his home in Chinese.
我不知道怎么形容这个味道。
I don't know how to describe this taste.
你可以形容一下那部电影吗？
Can you describe that movie?
她的画作生动地形容了春天。
Her painting vividly portrays spring.
请你形容一下你的新老师。
Please describe your new teacher.
我不能形容我的感受。
I can't describe my feelings.
这个词很难形容。
This word is hard to describe.
这本书形容了一个美丽的世界。
This book describes a beautiful world.
我很难形容这种感觉。
It's hard for me to describe this feeling.
他用很多词语来形容她的美貌。
He used many words to describe her beauty.
这个词可以用来形容天气。
This word can be used to describe the weather.
她的画生动地形容了农村生活。
Her painting vividly portrays rural life.
你如何形容你的新家？
How would you describe your new home?
老师要求我们形容秋天的景色。
The teacher asked us to describe the autumn scenery.
用一个词来形容你的心情。
Describe your mood in one word.
我很难形容我有多喜欢这部电影。
I find it hard to describe how much I like this movie.
你如何形容你的新工作？
How would you describe your new job?
这本书成功地形容了那个时代的社会风貌。
This book successfully portrays the social customs of that era.
用一个词来形容你的感受。
Describe your feelings in one word.
他的画完美地形容了春天的气息。
His painting perfectly describes the essence of spring.
有时候，语言很难形容内心的感受。
Sometimes, language struggles to describe inner feelings.
她用生动的语言形容了旅行中的奇遇。
She used vivid language to describe the adventures during her trip.
这个词可以形容很多不同的情感。
This word can describe many different emotions.
我很难形容我此刻的心情。
I find it hard to describe my current feelings.
Here, '形容' is used as a verb meaning 'to describe'.
这本书生动地形容了那个时代的风貌。
This book vividly portrays the customs and features of that era.
'生动地形容' means 'vividly describe/portray'.
用语言形容她的美丽是徒劳的。
It's futile to describe her beauty with words.
'用...形容' means 'to describe with...'.
他用几句话就形容出了事件的来龙去脉。
He described the whole story of the incident in a few words.
'形容出' implies successfully describing something.
这种感觉只可意会，不可言传，很难形容。
This feeling can only be understood implicitly, not expressed in words; it's hard to describe.
'很难形容' means 'hard to describe'.
他的表演非常到位，把人物的内心世界形容得淋漓尽致。
His performance was spot on, portraying the character's inner world to the fullest.
'形容得淋漓尽致' means 'describe/portray vividly and thoroughly'.
我们无法准确形容那种极致的幸福感。
We cannot accurately describe that ultimate feeling of happiness.
'准确形容' means 'accurately describe'.
在文章中，作者详细形容了家乡的风景。
In the article, the author described the scenery of their hometown in detail.
'详细形容' means 'describe in detail'.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
他用几句话形容了当时的场景。(Tā yòng jǐ jù huà xíngróng le dāngshí de chǎngjǐng.)
He described the scene at that time in a few words.
这个词很难形容。(Zhège cí hěn nán xíngróng.)
This word is hard to describe.
你觉得这个词能形容你的感受吗？(Nǐ juédé zhège cí néng xíngróng nǐ de gǎnshòu ma?)
Do you think this word can describe your feelings?
她用丰富的词汇形容了那幅画。(Tā yòng fēngfù de cíhuì xíngróng le nà fú huà.)
She used rich vocabulary to describe that painting.
我不知道怎么形容这种感觉。(Wǒ bù zhīdào zěnme xíngróng zhè zhǒng gǎnjué.)
I don't know how to describe this feeling.
请你形容一下你的家乡。(Qǐng nǐ xíngróng yīxià nǐ de jiāxiāng.)
Please describe your hometown.
他的言语无法形容我内心的喜悦。(Tā de yányǔ wúfǎ xíngróng wǒ nèixīn de xǐyuè.)
His words could not describe the joy in my heart.
这本书很好地形容了中国文化。(Zhè běn shū hěn hǎo de xíngróng le Zhōngguó wénhuà.)
This book describes Chinese culture very well.
你能用一个词形容他吗？(Nǐ néng yòng yī gè cí xíngróng tā ma?)
Can you describe him with one word?
他用行动形容了他的爱。(Tā yòng xíngdòng xíngróng le tā de ài.)
He described his love with actions.
Often Confused With
More general description of facts or events.
Detailed, vivid description, especially in writing or art.
To explain or clarify, making something understandable.
Grammar Patterns
Idioms & Expressions
"形容枯槁 (xíngróng kūgǎo)"
To describe someone as emaciated or gaunt (often due to illness or hardship).
他病了很久，形容枯槁。
neutral"难以形容 (nányǐ xíngróng)"
Hard to describe; beyond description.
那里的景色美得难以形容。
neutral"形容词 (xíngróngcí)"
Adjective (grammatical term).
在句子中，'美丽'是一个形容词。
neutral"形容不一 (xíngróng bù yī)"
To have differing descriptions; to describe things differently.
对这件事情，大家的形容不一。
neutral"形容憔悴 (xíngróng qiáocuì)"
To look haggard or wan.
她熬夜工作，形容憔悴。
neutral"形容生动 (xíngróng shēngdòng)"
To describe vividly.
他的演讲形容生动，引人入胜。
neutral"形容具体 (xíngróng jùtǐ)"
To describe specifically/in detail.
请你形容得更具体一点。
neutral"形容词短语 (xíngróngcí duǎnyǔ)"
Adjectival phrase (grammatical term).
'非常漂亮'是一个形容词短语。
neutral"形容不尽 (xíngróng bù jìn)"
Cannot fully describe; inexhaustible in description.
大海的壮丽，真是形容不尽。
neutral"用词形容 (yòngcí xíngróng)"
To use words to describe.
他善于用词形容人物。
neutralEasily Confused
Both '形容' and '描述' can mean 'to describe'.
'形容' focuses on using adjectives or vivid language to characterize something, often highlighting its appearance or qualities. '描述' is broader and can refer to describing facts, events, or processes in a more neutral and detailed way.
他喜欢用诗意的语言形容风景。 (He likes to describe scenery with poetic language.) 请你描述一下事故的经过。 (Please describe the process of the accident.)
Similar to '描述', '描写' also means 'to describe'.
'描写' often refers to a detailed and vivid description, especially in literature or art, with an emphasis on creating a mental image for the audience. '形容' can be more general.
小说里描写了人物复杂的内心世界。 (The novel describes the complex inner world of the characters.) 他的画作生动地形容了海边的生活。 (His painting vividly portrays life by the sea.)
Can be confused when someone is 'describing' how something works or explaining a situation.
'说明' means to explain, clarify, or illustrate. It's about making something understandable, often by providing information or reasons. '形容' is about characterizing something.
请你说明一下这个词的用法。 (Please explain the usage of this word.) 我不知道该如何形容我的感受。 (I don't know how to describe my feelings.)
Can be confused when '形容' is used in the sense of 'showing' or 'indicating' a characteristic.
'表示' means to express, show, or indicate. It's about conveying a meaning or attitude. '形容' is specifically about using words to characterize.
他用沉默表示不满。 (He expressed his dissatisfaction with silence.) 这个词可以形容很多不同的情感。 (This word can describe many different emotions.)
Both involve using figurative language to convey a characteristic.
'比喻' is a specific type of figurative language, a metaphor or simile, where something is described by comparing it to something else. '形容' is the general act of describing, which might include using '比喻' but isn't limited to it.
她把生活比喻成一场旅行。 (She compared life to a journey.) 他形容她的笑容像阳光一样温暖。 (He described her smile as warm as sunshine.)
Sentence Patterns
形容 + something
我很难形容这种感觉。 (Wǒ hěn nán xíngróng zhè zhǒng gǎnjué.) - I find it hard to describe this feeling.
用…来形容 (yòng... lái xíngróng) - to use... to describe
他用美丽的语言来形容家乡的风景。 (Tā yòng měilì de yǔyán lái xíngróng jiāxiāng de fēngjǐng.) - He used beautiful language to describe the scenery of his hometown.
形容词 + 得 + 形容 (xíngróngcí + de + xíngróng) - to describe something in a ... way (often used with adverbs)
他把事情形容得很清楚。 (Tā bǎ shìqíng xíngróng de hěn qīngchu.) - He described the matter very clearly.
被形容为 (bèi xíngróng wéi) - to be described as
这座城市被形容为不夜城。 (Zhè zuò chéngshì bèi xíngróng wéi búyèchéng.) - This city is described as a sleepless city.
难以形容 (nányǐ xíngróng) - difficult to describe
那是一场难以形容的经历。 (Nà shì yī chǎng nányǐ xíngróng de jīnglì.) - That was an indescribable experience.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Tips
Basic Usage of 形容
形容 (xíngróng) is a verb that means 'to describe' or 'to portray'. You can use it to talk about describing people, objects, or situations.
形容 vs. 描述 (miáoshù)
While both mean 'to describe', 形容 often implies a more vivid or detailed description, focusing on characteristics. 描述 is more general and can simply mean to state facts.
Using 形容 with 'as'
You can often translate 形容 as 'to describe...as...'. For example, '他形容她很漂亮' (Tā xíngróng tā hěn piàoliang) means 'He described her as very beautiful'.
形容 followed by Adjectives
It's common for 形容 to be followed by adjectives or adjective phrases to detail the description. For example, '形容得很好' (xíngróng de hěn hǎo) means 'described very well'.
Questioning a Description
If you want to ask how something is described, you can use '怎么形容' (zěnme xíngróng). For example, '你觉得怎么形容这张照片？' (Nǐ juéde zěnme xíngróng zhè zhāng zhàopiàn?) means 'How do you think this photo should be described?'
Describing Feelings/Emotions
形容 can also be used to describe abstract concepts like feelings or emotions. '我无法形容我的感受' (Wǒ wúfǎ xíngróng wǒ de gǎnshòu) means 'I cannot describe my feelings'.
形容 as a Modifier
Sometimes, 形容 can act as a modifier in a phrase, meaning 'descriptive'. For example, '形容词' (xíngróngcí) means 'adjective' (literally, 'descriptive word').
Common Sentence Structure
A common structure is 'Subject + 形容 + Object + (得 + Adjective/Adverb)'. Example: '他把那件事形容得很清楚' (Tā bǎ nà jiàn shì xíngróng de hěn qīngchǔ) - 'He described that matter very clearly'.
Avoid Redundancy
Don't use 形容 with words that already inherently describe. For example, instead of '形容一个美丽的风景' (xíngróng yī ge měilì de fēngjǐng), just say '描述一个美丽的风景' (miáoshù yī ge měilì de fēngjǐng) or simply '这个风景很美丽' (zhège fēngjǐng hěn měilì) meaning 'This scenery is beautiful'.
Practice with Real-Life Examples
Try to describe your friends, your city, or your favorite food using 形容. The more you practice, the more natural it will feel. For example, '我形容她是一个善良的人' (Wǒ xíngróng tā shì yī ge shànliáng de rén) - 'I describe her as a kind person'.
Word Origin
From Classical Chinese.
Original meaning: Originally referred to physical form and appearance.
Sino-Tibetan, Sinitic, Chinese.Cultural Context
When using '形容', it's common to follow it with an adjective or a short phrase that elaborates on the description. It's frequently used in both formal and informal contexts to vividly convey characteristics or qualities. You'll often hear it in literature, daily conversations, and even in professional settings when a detailed depiction is needed.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Describing people's appearances or characteristics.
- 他形容她很漂亮。
- 她形容他很高。
- 你觉得这个词能形容他吗？
Describing abstract concepts or feelings.
- 我无法形容我的感受。
- 这个词很好地形容了幸福。
- 用一句话形容你的生活。
Describing scenes or situations.
- 他形容了那里的美景。
- 请形容一下当时的情况。
- 这个故事形容了一个复杂的社会。
When someone is trying to find the right words to describe something.
- 我不知道怎么形容。
- 我很难形容。
- 你有什么词可以形容吗？
When evaluating if a description is accurate or fitting.
- 这个形容很贴切。
- 你觉得这个形容准确吗？
- 我觉得这个形容不太合适。
Conversation Starters
"你觉得哪个词最能形容你的个性？"
"如果你要形容你最好的朋友，你会用什么词？"
"你最近看了一部电影或一本书吗？你会怎么形容它？"
"你觉得用什么词来形容学习中文最合适？"
"你有什么特别的经历是很难形容的吗？"
Journal Prompts
用三个词形容你今天的感受，并解释为什么。
如果让你形容你理想中的一天，你会怎么形容？
选择一个你喜欢的地方，然后用尽可能多的词来形容它。
形容一下你认为幸福是什么样子的。
回忆一个让你印象深刻的人，用一些词来形容他/她。
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYou can use 形容 like this: 他形容她像一朵花一样美丽。 (He described her as beautiful as a flower.) or 我不知道如何形容我的感受。 (I don't know how to describe my feelings.)
Both mean 'to describe,' but 形容 often focuses on conveying characteristics or appearances, while 描述 is a more general term for describing facts, events, or details. Think of 形容 as 'portraying' and 描述 as 'narrating'.
Yes, absolutely! You can use it to describe feelings, situations, or abstract concepts. For example, 幸福很难形容。 (Happiness is hard to describe.)
One common phrase is 难以形容 (nányǐ xíngróng), meaning 'indescribable' or 'hard to describe.' For example, 那里的景色美得难以形容。 (The scenery there was indescribably beautiful.)
形容 is a neutral word. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts without sounding out of place.
Yes, you can. For example, 他是一个很好的人，但我不知道怎么形容他。 (He's a very good person, but I don't know how to describe him.)
The most common pattern is (subject) 形容 (object) (description). The description often comes after the object and can be a phrase or a clause.
Try to describe things around you, people you know, or your feelings using 形容. The more you use it, the more natural it will become. For example, try to describe your favorite food or your last vacation using 形容.
While 形容 is perfectly fine in spoken Chinese, sometimes people might use simpler phrases like 说 (shuō) meaning 'to say' or 'to talk about' in a descriptive context, but it's not a direct synonym. 形容 is generally the most precise word for 'to describe.'
No, 形容 is primarily a verb. If you want to talk about 'a description' as a noun, you would use 描述 (miáoshù) as a noun, or something like 形容词 (xíngróngcí) for 'adjective'.
Test Yourself 102 questions
Choose the correct word: 你怎么___他？
The sentence means 'How do you describe him?' '形容' (xíngróng) means 'to describe'.
我的老师用很多词语来___这个地方。
The sentence means 'My teacher used many words to describe this place.' '形容' (xíngróng) fits the meaning.
小猫很可爱，我不知道怎么___它。
The sentence means 'The kitten is very cute, I don't know how to describe it.' '形容' (xíngróng) is the correct verb here.
你可以用 '形容' 来表示 'to eat'.
'形容' (xíngróng) means 'to describe' or 'to portray', not 'to eat'.
当你想说一个人很高时，你可以用 '形容' 这个词。
Yes, you can use '形容' (xíngróng) to describe someone's height, for example, '他很高，你怎么形容他？' (He is very tall, how do you describe him?).
'形容' 和 '说' 的意思完全一样。
'形容' (xíngróng) means 'to describe', while '说' (shuō) means 'to speak' or 'to say'. They are not exactly the same.
Write a short sentence describing your favorite fruit. Use basic vocabulary.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我喜欢苹果。
Write a simple sentence describing the weather today.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
今天天气很好。
Write a sentence describing what you see in the classroom.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我看到桌子和椅子。
小黑是什么？
Read this passage:
这是我的狗。它很可爱。它喜欢吃东西。它叫小黑。
小黑是什么？
文章中说 '这是我的狗。' (This is my dog.)
文章中说 '这是我的狗。' (This is my dog.)
李华喜欢做什么？
Read this passage:
她叫李华。她是中国人。她喜欢喝茶。她有一个弟弟。
李华喜欢做什么？
文章中说 '她喜欢喝茶。' (She likes to drink tea.)
文章中说 '她喜欢喝茶。' (She likes to drink tea.)
房子里有几间卧室？
Read this passage:
我有一个大房子。房子里有三间卧室。客厅很大。厨房也很干净。
房子里有几间卧室？
文章中说 '房子里有三间卧室。' (There are three bedrooms in the house.)
文章中说 '房子里有三间卧室。' (There are three bedrooms in the house.)
她___得很漂亮。
Here, '形容' means 'to describe' how she looks.
请你用一个词___一下你的感受。
We use '形容' to ask someone to describe their feelings.
这个故事很难___。
'很难形容' means it's hard to describe.
他___了当时的情况。
He described the situation at that time. '形容' fits here.
我们很难用语言来___这幅画的美。
It's hard to use words to describe the beauty of this painting. '形容' is the correct verb.
老师让学生们___他们最喜欢的动物。
The teacher asked students to describe their favorite animals. '形容' is the right choice.
The teacher is describing the beauty of that painting.
He described the history of the Forbidden City in Chinese.
This word is difficult to describe.
Read this aloud:
请你形容一下你的家。
Focus: 形容 (xíngróng)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
你能形容一下这个地方吗？
Focus: 形容 (xíngróng)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
我不知道怎么形容我的感受。
Focus: 形容 (xíngróng)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Write a short sentence describing your favorite animal. Use 形容.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我喜欢猫，我常常形容它很可爱。(I like cats, I often describe them as very cute.)
Imagine you are describing a new friend to someone. Write two sentences using 形容.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
他是一个很好的人，我形容他很开朗和友好。(He is a very good person, I describe him as cheerful and friendly.)
Write a sentence describing a beautiful place you've visited. Use 形容.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我形容那个海滩非常美丽，水很蓝。(I describe that beach as very beautiful, the water is very blue.)
What does the book use to describe spring?
Read this passage:
这本书用很多美丽的词语来形容春天。春天很暖和，花都开了。
What does the book use to describe spring?
The passage states '这本书用很多美丽的词语来形容春天' (This book uses many beautiful words to describe spring).
The passage states '这本书用很多美丽的词语来形容春天' (This book uses many beautiful words to describe spring).
How does Xiao Ming express his feelings?
Read this passage:
小明喜欢画画，他总是用颜色来形容他的感受。今天他画了一幅开心的画。
How does Xiao Ming express his feelings?
The passage says '他总是用颜色来形容他的感受' (He always uses colors to describe his feelings).
The passage says '他总是用颜色来形容他的感受' (He always uses colors to describe his feelings).
What did the teacher ask the students to do?
Read this passage:
老师让学生形容一下昨天的天气。有的学生说冷，有的学生说刮风。
What did the teacher ask the students to do?
The passage states '老师让学生形容一下昨天的天气' (The teacher asked the students to describe yesterday's weather).
The passage states '老师让学生形容一下昨天的天气' (The teacher asked the students to describe yesterday's weather).
This sentence means 'It's hard to describe her beauty.' The structure is '很难 + verb + object'.
This sentence means 'This word can describe the scenery.' The structure is 'subject + 可以 + verb + object'.
This sentence means 'Please describe your vacation.' '描述' (miáoshù) is a synonym for '形容' in this context. '一下' softens the request.
她___得很美，像一幅画。
Here, '形容' means 'to describe' or 'to portray'. The sentence means 'She is described beautifully, like a painting.'
我不知道该怎么___我的感受。
In this context, '形容' means 'to describe'. The sentence translates to 'I don't know how to describe my feelings.'
这个词很难___，你需要亲自去体验。
'形容' is used here to mean 'to describe'. The sentence implies 'This word is hard to describe, you need to experience it yourself.'
他用生动的语言___了那场比赛的精彩。
The word '形容' means 'to describe'. The sentence means 'He used vivid language to describe the excitement of that game.'
一句话很难完全___一个人的性格。
Here, '形容' means 'to describe' or 'to characterize'. The sentence translates to 'One sentence is hard to fully describe a person's character.'
诗人用美丽的词语___了秋天的景色。
'形容' means 'to describe'. The sentence means 'The poet used beautiful words to describe the autumn scenery.'
He used a few words to describe the seriousness of the problem.
Her singing is beautiful beyond description.
How would you describe your new home?
Read this aloud:
请你形容一下你最喜欢的一本书。
Focus: 形容 (xíngróng)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
你觉得用什么词来形容今天的天气最合适？
Focus: 合适 (héshì)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
她用生动的语言形容了当时的场景。
Focus: 生动 (shēngdòng)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Use “形容” to describe your favorite season. What makes it special?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我最喜欢秋天。我可以用“美丽”和“凉爽”来形容秋天，因为树叶会变色，天气也很舒服。
Write a short sentence using “形容” to describe the taste of a lemon.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我可以用“酸”来形容柠檬的味道。
Imagine you are describing a new friend. Use “形容” at least once to talk about their personality.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我的新朋友很开朗。我可以用“活泼”和“善良”来形容她的性格。
作者用什么来形容人物和风景？
Read this passage:
这本书的内容很有趣，作者用了很多生动的词语来形容人物和风景。读完以后，我对书中的世界有了更深的理解。
作者用什么来形容人物和风景？
文章中明确提到“作者用了很多生动的词语来形容人物和风景”。
文章中明确提到“作者用了很多生动的词语来形容人物和风景”。
根据这段话，作者认为这部电影怎么样？
Read this passage:
老师要求我们用三个词语来形容这部电影。我觉得这部电影很感人，也很真实，所以我会选择“感人”、“真实”和“精彩”。
根据这段话，作者认为这部电影怎么样？
作者说“我觉得这部电影很感人，也很真实”。
作者说“我觉得这部电影很感人，也很真实”。
这个人可能会用什么词来形容新同事？
Read this passage:
你觉得应该怎么形容那个新来的同事？他总是很安静，但是工作很努力。我可能会用“内向”和“勤奋”来形容他。
这个人可能会用什么词来形容新同事？
文中明确提到“我可能会用“内向”和“勤奋”来形容他”。
文中明确提到“我可能会用“内向”和“勤奋”来形容他”。
This sentence asks what words he used to describe her beauty. The structure is Subject + Use (用) + Object (什么词) + Verb (形容) + Noun Phrase (她的美丽).
This sentence means 'The feeling of this story is hard to describe.' The structure is Subject + Adverb (很难) + Verb (形容) + Particle (出来) + Noun (的感觉).
This sentence asks if you can describe that piece of clothing. The structure is Subject + Modal Verb (能) + Verb (形容) + Quantifier (一下) + Object (那件衣服) + Question Particle (吗).
He described the beautiful scenery of his hometown with vivid language.
This word can hardly describe my current mood.
How would you describe your new job?
Read this aloud:
请你形容一下你最喜欢的季节。
Focus: 形容
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
我很难形容那个地方的独特魅力。
Focus: 魅力
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
她的歌声美得无法形容。
Focus: 无法形容
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
He used vivid language to describe the beautiful scenery of his hometown.
This movie accurately portrays the social landscape of that time.
How would you describe your ideal partner?
Read this aloud:
请你形容一下你最喜欢的一本书。
Focus: 形容
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
用几个词形容你今天的感受。
Focus: 感受
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
你能形容一下这个城市的交通状况吗？
Focus: 交通状况
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Describe a challenging experience you've had using '形容'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
那次爬山经历真的很难形容，既有身体上的疲惫，也有精神上的坚持，是一种痛并快乐着的感觉。
Write a sentence describing a person's character using '形容'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
他的性格很难用简单的词语来形容，既热情又内敛，充满了矛盾的魅力。
Describe a beautiful landscape you've seen using '形容'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
故乡的山水美得无法形容，尤其是清晨的薄雾和夕阳下的晚霞，令人流连忘返。
根据短文，导演用什么来形容战争的残酷？
Read this passage:
这部电影的导演试图用独特的镜头语言来形容战争的残酷。观众可以通过画面感受到角色的内心挣扎和绝望。影评人认为，导演成功地形容了战争对人性的扭曲。
根据短文，导演用什么来形容战争的残酷？
短文第一句明确指出“导演试图用独特的镜头语言来形容战争的残酷”。
短文第一句明确指出“导演试图用独特的镜头语言来形容战争的残酷”。
文章指出，作家如何形容人物的心理活动？
Read this passage:
文学作品常常通过生动的描写来形容人物的心理活动。一个好的作家能够用恰当的词语，甚至是一个眼神，来形容角色的情感变化。这不仅让读者感同身受，也让故事更加引人入胜。
文章指出，作家如何形容人物的心理活动？
短文提到“文学作品常常通过生动的描写来形容人物的心理活动。一个好的作家能够用恰当的词语...来形容角色的情感变化。”
短文提到“文学作品常常通过生动的描写来形容人物的心理活动。一个好的作家能够用恰当的词语...来形容角色的情感变化。”
为什么在科学研究中准确形容实验结果很重要？
Read this passage:
科学研究中，准确地形容实验结果至关重要。一个模糊的描述可能导致误解，甚至影响研究的可靠性。因此，科学家们需要使用精确的术语和数据来形容他们的发现。
为什么在科学研究中准确形容实验结果很重要？
短文指出“一个模糊的描述可能导致误解，甚至影响研究的可靠性”。
短文指出“一个模糊的描述可能导致误解，甚至影响研究的可靠性”。
This sentence describes how the movie portrayed the cruelty of war. The structure is 'subject + 形容 + object'.
This sentence means his painting couldn't describe the magnificence of the sea. '无法形容出' means 'unable to describe'.
This is a request: 'Please use a few words to describe your feelings.' '用...形容' means 'use...to describe'.
Pay attention to how '形容' is used to talk about describing scenery.
Listen for the context of '形容' when expressing feelings.
Notice how '形容' is used to portray someone's personality.
Read this aloud:
你能形容一下你最喜欢的季节是什么样的吗？
Focus: xiáng róng
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
用一个词形容你的学习中文的经历。
Focus: yòng yí gè cí xíng róng
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
你认为什么词最能形容现代都市生活？
Focus: shén me cí zuì néng xíng róng
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
You've just attended a profoundly moving performance. Write a short paragraph describing the performance, using "形容" at least once to convey the ineffable aspects of the experience. Focus on vivid language and emotional depth.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
昨晚的演出简直是视觉与听觉的盛宴，舞台设计充满了象征意义，演员们的表演更是出神入化。我尝试用语言去形容那种震撼人心的力量，却发现任何词语都显得苍白无力。尤其是最后一幕，光影与音乐的完美结合，让观众们仿佛置身于一个超脱现实的境界，那种深刻的艺术感染力至今仍在我的脑海中回荡。
Imagine you are a literary critic reviewing a novel. Write a concise review (around 100 words) using "形容" to discuss how the author depicts a complex character. Emphasize the subtlety and nuance of the portrayal.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
这部小说的魅力在于其对主人公 nuanced 的刻画。作者巧妙地运用了心理描写和对话来形容人物内心的挣扎与成长，而非简单地贴上标签。她通过一系列看似日常却充满深意的事件，多维度地展现了主人公的复杂性，让读者能够深入理解其行为背后的动机。这种细腻的笔触，使得人物形象跃然纸上，令人印象深刻。
You are explaining a highly abstract scientific concept to a non-expert. Write a paragraph explaining the concept and use "形容" to clarify how you are attempting to make it understandable through an analogy or metaphor.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
量子纠缠是一个非常抽象的物理现象，它描述了两个或多个粒子之间存在的一种特殊联系，无论它们相距多远，一个粒子的状态变化会瞬间影响另一个。为了让大家更好地理解，我试图用“遥远的双胞胎”来形容这种关系：即使他们身处两地，其中一个双胞胎感受到疼痛，另一个也能即刻感知到，尽管这并非完全准确，但希望能帮助大家初步把握这个概念的核心。
根据短文，园林设计师如何利用假山和池水来形容自然景观？
Read this passage:
在中国的传统园林艺术中，山水是重要的构成元素。园林设计师们通过精心布局，将自然景观浓缩于方寸之间，力求达到“虽由人作，宛自天开”的境界。他们常用假山来形容连绵的群山，用池水来形容浩瀚的江河，营造出一种超凡脱俗的意境，让游园者在有限的空间里感受到无限的自然美。
根据短文，园林设计师如何利用假山和池水来形容自然景观？
短文中明确指出“他们常用假山来形容连绵的群山，用池水来形容浩瀚的江河”，这里的“形容”带有比喻的含义。
短文中明确指出“他们常用假山来形容连绵的群山，用池水来形容浩瀚的江河”，这里的“形容”带有比喻的含义。
这位评论家认为当代艺术的特点是什么？
Read this passage:
一位著名的评论家曾这样形容当代艺术：“它就像一面棱镜，折射出社会多元的价值观和深层的矛盾。我们不能简单地用好或坏来评判它，而应该努力去理解其背后的语境和创作者的意图。” 这段话强调了理解艺术作品复杂性的重要性。
这位评论家认为当代艺术的特点是什么？
短文提到“它就像一面棱镜，折射出社会多元的价值观和深层的矛盾”，这说明当代艺术的特点是反映社会的多样性和冲突。
短文提到“它就像一面棱镜，折射出社会多元的价值观和深层的矛盾”，这说明当代艺术的特点是反映社会的多样性和冲突。
这段文字主要说明了什么？
Read this passage:
哲学家们在探讨意识的本质时，常常发现语言的局限性。他们试图用各种理论和模型来形容意识的运作机制，从物理主义到二元论，再到泛心论。然而，至今没有一个理论能够完美地解释意识的所有方面，这使得意识成为了科学和哲学领域最深奥的谜团之一。
这段文字主要说明了什么？
短文开篇就指出“哲学家们在探讨意识的本质时，常常发现语言的局限性”，并提到“试图用各种理论和模型来形容意识的运作机制”，但“没有一个理论能够完美地解释意识的所有方面”，都强调了语言和理论在描述意识方面的局限性。
短文开篇就指出“哲学家们在探讨意识的本质时，常常发现语言的局限性”，并提到“试图用各种理论和模型来形容意识的运作机制”，但“没有一个理论能够完美地解释意识的所有方面”，都强调了语言和理论在描述意识方面的局限性。
The correct order constructs the sentence 'His works vividly describe the beauty of rural life.'
This sentence asks 'What words can you use to describe the complexity of this scene?'
The phrase 'It's hard to describe my feelings at that time with words' is correctly formed.
/ 102 correct
Perfect score!
Basic Usage of 形容
形容 (xíngróng) is a verb that means 'to describe' or 'to portray'. You can use it to talk about describing people, objects, or situations.
形容 vs. 描述 (miáoshù)
While both mean 'to describe', 形容 often implies a more vivid or detailed description, focusing on characteristics. 描述 is more general and can simply mean to state facts.
Using 形容 with 'as'
You can often translate 形容 as 'to describe...as...'. For example, '他形容她很漂亮' (Tā xíngróng tā hěn piàoliang) means 'He described her as very beautiful'.
形容 followed by Adjectives
It's common for 形容 to be followed by adjectives or adjective phrases to detail the description. For example, '形容得很好' (xíngróng de hěn hǎo) means 'described very well'.
Related Content
More communication words
承认
A2to admit; to acknowledge
恐怕
B1I'm afraid that...; perhaps; probably. Used to express concern, uncertainty, or to soften a polite refusal.
同意
A1to agree
虽然...但是...
A2although...but...
公告
B1announcement
回答
A1to answer; to reply
接听
B2To answer (a phone call).
致歉
B2To express an apology formally. This is a critical term for IELTS letters of apology.
提问
A1To ask a question; to pose an inquiry.
广播
A2Broadcast.
