A pattern is a visual design or arrangement of shapes, colors, or lines, often used for decoration.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Visual design or pattern on a surface.
- Used for decoration or symbolism.
- Common on clothing and fabrics.
Overview
“图案”一词在中文里非常常用，指的是在平面或立体表面上，由线条、色彩、形状等元素组合而成的、具有一定规律或美感的视觉纹样。它可以是简单的几何图形，也可以是复杂的写实或抽象形象。图案的主要功能是装饰、美化，有时也承载特定的文化或象征意义。
“图案”通常用作名词，修饰语可以是形容词（如：漂亮的图案、复杂的图案、传统的图案）或名词（如：花卉图案、几何图案、动物图案）。它也可以作为动词的宾语，例如“设计图案”、“印上图案”、“欣赏图案”。在句子中，它常与“衣服”、“布料”、“墙纸”、“地毯”等名词搭配使用。
在日常生活中，我们经常在谈论衣物、家居用品时用到“图案”。例如，“这件衬衫是什么图案的？”、“我喜欢这种带有几何图案的窗帘。” 在艺术和设计领域，“图案”更是核心概念，涉及平面设计、服装设计、室内设计等多个方面。此外，在文化和历史研究中，也会讨论特定时期或民族的独特图案及其象征意义。
与“图案”相似的词语包括“花纹”、“纹样”、“图样”。“花纹”和“纹样”更侧重于自然界的形态（如花朵、叶子）或模仿自然形态的装饰性线条组合，强调其曲线美和重复性。“图样”则更偏向于设计图、模型或样本，强调其规范性和可参照性。相比之下，“图案”的含义更广泛，涵盖了以上几种意思，并且可以指代更抽象、更具设计感的视觉构成。
Examples
这件衬衫的图案是蓝色的条纹。
everydayThe pattern on this shirt is blue stripes.
设计师为新系列服装创作了一系列抽象图案。
fashionThe designer created a series of abstract patterns for the new clothing collection.
她喜欢在笔记本上画各种可爱的图案。
informalShe likes drawing various cute patterns in her notebook.
这种编织图案在古代文明中具有重要的象征意义。
academicThis weaving pattern held significant symbolic meaning in ancient civilizations.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
几何图案
geometric pattern
碎花图案
small floral pattern
条纹图案
striped pattern
Often Confused With
'画' usually refers to a single picture, painting, or drawing, while '图案' refers to a design or pattern, often repeated or structured.
'图样' often refers to a specific design sample, blueprint, or template, emphasizing its role as a model or specification.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word '图案' is very common in everyday Chinese. It is generally neutral in terms of formality. It is frequently used when describing clothing, textiles, wallpapers, and decorative items. Be mindful of the context to choose the most appropriate synonym if needed.
Common Mistakes
Learners might sometimes confuse '图案' with '画' (picture) or use it for single, non-repeating images. Ensure you are referring to a design, motif, or arrangement, especially if it's repeated or structured.
Tips
Notice patterns everywhere
Pay attention to the designs on clothes, buildings, and everyday objects. You'll see the word '图案' used frequently.
Don't confuse with 'picture'
While both relate to visuals, '图案' is about repetitive or structured designs, not a single image like a 'picture' (画).'
Cultural significance of patterns
Many traditional patterns carry deep cultural meanings, representing beliefs, social status, or historical events in different societies.
Word Origin
The word '图案' is composed of '图' (tú), meaning picture, diagram, or plan, and '案' (àn), meaning case, record, or design. Together, they refer to a visual design or plan.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, certain patterns like dragons, phoenixes, and auspicious clouds carry specific symbolic meanings related to power, good fortune, and harmony. Traditional embroidery and fabric designs often incorporate these culturally significant motifs.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'pattern' on your 'turban' (tuōtǎn). The sounds are somewhat similar, and a turban often has intricate patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“图案”是一个更广泛的概念，可以指任何有规律的视觉设计，包括几何图形、抽象符号等。“花纹”则更侧重于模仿自然界形态（如花、叶）或具有曲线美的装饰性纹样。
图案非常常见，尤其是在衣物（如衬衫、裙子）、家居用品（如窗帘、地毯、床单）、壁纸、餐具、工艺品等物品上。
设计图案通常需要学习美术基础、色彩理论、构成学原理，以及掌握相关的设计软件，如Photoshop、Illustrator等。
是的，“图案”常常具有象征意义。在不同的文化中，特定的图案可能代表吉祥、幸福、力量、宗教信仰等。
Test Yourself
这件衣服上的______很特别，是手工绘制的。
句意是描述衣服上的视觉设计，‘图案’最符合语境。
What is the best English translation for '图案' in the context of clothing design?
'Pattern' specifically refers to a repeated decorative design, which is the most common meaning of '图案' when discussing clothes.
设计 / 这个 / 非常 / 独特 / 的 / 图案
这是一个常见的搭配，‘图案设计’指图案的设计本身。
Score: /3
Summary
A pattern is a visual design or arrangement of shapes, colors, or lines, often used for decoration.
- Visual design or pattern on a surface.
- Used for decoration or symbolism.
- Common on clothing and fabrics.
Notice patterns everywhere
Pay attention to the designs on clothes, buildings, and everyday objects. You'll see the word '图案' used frequently.
Don't confuse with 'picture'
While both relate to visuals, '图案' is about repetitive or structured designs, not a single image like a 'picture' (画).'
Cultural significance of patterns
Many traditional patterns carry deep cultural meanings, representing beliefs, social status, or historical events in different societies.
Examples
4 of 4这件衬衫的图案是蓝色的条纹。
The pattern on this shirt is blue stripes.
设计师为新系列服装创作了一系列抽象图案。
The designer created a series of abstract patterns for the new clothing collection.
她喜欢在笔记本上画各种可爱的图案。
She likes drawing various cute patterns in her notebook.
这种编织图案在古代文明中具有重要的象征意义。
This weaving pattern held significant symbolic meaning in ancient civilizations.
