Grammar to Know
Can be used to describe objects, environments, or artistic styles that possess a classic, refined, and tasteful beauty. It often implies a sense of timelessness and understated grace.
这件旗袍设计得很典雅。(This qipao is very elegantly designed.)
Can be used to describe a person's demeanor, mannerisms, or taste, suggesting sophistication and grace without being ostentatious.
她举止典雅，很有大家闺秀的风范。(Her demeanor is elegant, like a lady from a distinguished family.)
Often appears with adverbs of degree like 很 (hěn - very), 比较 (bǐjiào - relatively), or 十分 (shífēn - extremely) to intensify the elegance.
这座花园的布局十分典雅。(The layout of this garden is extremely elegant.)
Can be used in comparison to suggest a higher level of aesthetic quality or sophistication. It often implies a subtle and mature beauty.
相比之下，我更喜欢这件典雅的晚礼服。(In comparison, I prefer this elegant evening gown.)
While primarily an adjective, it can sometimes be used in a more literary context as a noun referring to elegance itself, though this is less common in everyday speech.
追求典雅是一种生活态度。(The pursuit of elegance is a way of life.)
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
她穿着一件典雅的旗袍。
She was wearing an elegant qipao.
这家餐厅的装修很典雅。
The decor of this restaurant is very refined.
这幅画展现出一种典雅的美。
This painting displays a classic beauty.
她的谈吐总是那么典雅。
Her conversation is always so elegant.
这座花园的设计非常典雅。
The design of this garden is very refined.
他喜欢典雅的古典音乐。
He likes classic classical music.
这件艺术品具有典雅的韵味。
This artwork has an elegant charm.
她举止典雅，很有气质。
Her manners are refined, and she has great temperament.
书房里弥漫着典雅的墨香。
The study was filled with the refined scent of ink.
典雅的服饰能衬托出她的气质。
Elegant attire can accentuate her temperament.
Grammar Patterns
Sentence Patterns
subject + 很 + 典雅
这件衣服很典雅。 (This dress is very elegant.)
subject + 看起来 + 很 + 典雅
她看起来很典雅。 (She looks very elegant.)
subject + V + 得 + 很 + 典雅
她把房间布置得很典雅。 (She decorated the room very elegantly.)
典雅的 + noun
典雅的建筑风格。 (Elegant architectural style.)
充满 + 典雅 + 的 + atmosphere/feeling
这个地方充满了典雅的氛围。 (This place is full of an elegant atmosphere.)
显得 + 典雅
这幅画让整个房间显得很典雅。 (This painting makes the whole room appear very elegant.)
具有 + 典雅 + 的 + characteristic
她具有典雅的气质。 (She possesses an elegant temperament.)
既...又...典雅
这件家具既实用又典雅。 (This piece of furniture is both practical and elegant.)
Tips
Understanding 典雅
典雅 (diǎnyǎ) describes something that is elegant, refined, or classic. Think of it as a sophisticated kind of beauty.
When to use 典雅
You can use 典雅 for art, architecture, clothing, interior design, or even a person's demeanor. It implies a sense of timeless quality and grace.
典雅 vs. 漂亮 (piàoliang)
While 漂亮 means beautiful or pretty, 典雅 adds a layer of sophistication and restraint. A flashy dress might be 漂亮, but a simple, well-tailored dress could be 典雅.
典雅 in a sentence
这座建筑非常典雅。(Zhè zuò jiànzhú fēicháng diǎnyǎ.) - This building is very elegant. (Hint: '这座建筑' means 'this building', '非常' means 'very'.)
Describing someone's style
她的穿着很典雅。(Tā de chuānzhuó hěn diǎnyǎ.) - Her attire is very elegant. (Hint: '她的穿着' means 'her attire', '很' means 'very'.)
Cultural context
In Chinese culture, 典雅 often suggests a connection to traditional aesthetics, favoring understated beauty over ostentatious displays.
Example: Furniture
这套家具设计得很典雅。(Zhè tào jiājù shèjì de hěn diǎnyǎ.) - This set of furniture is designed very elegantly. (Hint: '这套家具' means 'this set of furniture', '设计得' means 'designed'.)
Example: Music
这首曲子旋律典雅。(Zhè shǒu qǔzi xuánlǜ diǎnyǎ.) - The melody of this piece of music is elegant. (Hint: '这首曲子' means 'this piece of music', '旋律' means 'melody'.)
Synonyms to consider
Similar words include 高雅 (gāoyǎ) which also means elegant but can imply a higher social status, and 古典 (gǔdiǎn) meaning classic or classical.
Don't confuse with 简单 (jiǎndān)
典雅 is not just simple. It implies a sophisticated simplicity, often with fine details or excellent craftsmanship, not just plainness.
Test Yourself 72 questions
她穿的旗袍很___。
The qipao is often described as elegant or refined, fitting the meaning of 典雅.
这个花园设计得非常___。
A well-designed garden can be described as elegant or refined, which is 典雅.
这家茶馆的环境很___。
A tea house often has an elegant or classic atmosphere, which is conveyed by 典雅.
她说话的语气很___。
Speaking in an elegant or refined manner is described with 典雅.
这幅画的风格很___。
An elegant or classic style in art is referred to as 典雅.
这座老建筑看起来很___。
Old buildings, especially those with classic architecture, can be described as elegant or refined using 典雅.
Which of these describes something beautiful and old-fashioned?
典雅 (diǎnyǎ) means elegant or classic, often describing something beautiful with an old-world charm. The other words mean 'tall', 'fast', and 'new' respectively.
If a traditional Chinese dress looks very nice and special, how would you describe it?
典雅 (diǎnyǎ) is used to describe something elegant or refined, like a beautiful traditional dress. The other words mean 'big', 'small', and 'hot'.
Which word would you use for an old, beautiful building with a classic style?
典雅 (diǎnyǎ) fits perfectly for describing a building that is elegant, refined, and classic. The other words mean 'good', 'many', and 'few'.
A very fast car can be described as 典雅 (diǎnyǎ).
典雅 (diǎnyǎ) describes elegance and refinement, not speed. A fast car is 快 (kuài).
An old, beautiful piece of art can be described as 典雅 (diǎnyǎ).
典雅 (diǎnyǎ) is often used to describe classic and elegant items, like old art.
A modern, simple white wall is 典雅 (diǎnyǎ).
While 'simple' can sometimes be elegant, 典雅 (diǎnyǎ) usually implies a more classic, refined, or ornate beauty, not just modern simplicity.
greeting
gratitude
farewell
Read this aloud:
请问，洗手间在哪里？
Focus: qǐng wèn, xǐ shǒu jiān zài nǎ lǐ?
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
这个多少钱？
Focus: zhè ge duō shǎo qián?
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
我爱吃米饭。
Focus: wǒ ài chī mǐ fàn.
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Which of these things is most likely to be described as 典雅 (diǎnyǎ)?
典雅 (diǎnyǎ) describes something elegant and refined, like a beautiful old teapot, not something noisy, fast, or messy.
If someone has 典雅 (diǎnyǎ) taste, what kind of clothes might they choose?
典雅 (diǎnyǎ) suggests a preference for classic, refined styles rather than bright, modern, sporty, or heavily decorated clothes.
Which sentence uses 典雅 (diǎnyǎ) correctly?
典雅 (diǎnyǎ) describes things like places, designs, or styles, not typically sounds or weather. While a car *design* could be elegant, just saying 'his car is elegant' is less direct than 'this place is elegant' for A2 learners.
A loud rock concert would likely be described as 典雅 (diǎnyǎ).
典雅 (diǎnyǎ) means elegant and refined. A loud rock concert is usually not described this way.
A piece of very old, beautiful Chinese art can be called 典雅 (diǎnyǎ).
Yes, 典雅 (diǎnyǎ) is often used to describe classic and beautiful art or objects.
A very messy room can be described as 典雅 (diǎnyǎ).
No, 典雅 (diǎnyǎ) means elegant and refined. A messy room is the opposite.
She likes to wear elegant qipao.
The decoration of this room is very elegant.
The melody of that song is very elegant.
Read this aloud:
这座建筑看起来很典雅。
Focus: diǎn yǎ
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
她写了一首典雅的诗。
Focus: diǎn yǎ de shī
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
他举止典雅，很有风度。
Focus: jǔ zhǐ diǎn yǎ
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
她穿的旗袍很___，完美展现了她的东方美。
旗袍常用来形容古典、有品味的美，所以“典雅”最合适。
这家茶馆的装修风格很___，让人感到宁静和舒适。
“典雅”可以用来形容环境的格调高雅，与“宁静和舒适”相符。
他的书法作品线条流畅，风格___，深受大家喜爱。
“典雅”可以形容艺术作品的风格高雅、有品味。
古典音乐总给人一种___的感觉，让人心情平静。
古典音乐的特点常常是高雅、有格调，用“典雅”来形容最为贴切。
这幅画的色彩搭配非常___，展现了中国传统文化的韵味。
“典雅”可以用来形容色彩搭配的品味高尚，符合中国传统文化的特点。
她举止___，谈吐得体，是一位很有教养的女士。
“典雅”可以形容人的举止和风度高雅、有修养。
她穿着一件旗袍，显得格外___。
旗袍常与典雅气质联系。活泼意为活泼开朗；随便意为随意；夸张意为夸大。
这座老建筑的设计风格非常___，保留了许多传统元素。
典雅在此指建筑风格经典且有品味。粗糙意为不精致；现代意为新潮；朴素意为简单不华丽。
她谈吐举止___，很有大家闺秀的风范。
典雅形容人的举止有教养，符合大家闺秀的气质。粗鲁意为不礼貌；笨拙意为不灵活；轻浮意为轻佻不庄重。
音乐会上的钢琴演奏家穿着一身黑色的礼服，尽显___气质。
典雅形容演奏家着装和气质高贵有品味。随意意为不拘束；低俗意为不高雅；另类意为与众不同。
这家茶馆的装修风格很___，让人感到舒适宁静。
典雅指装修风格精致有格调，能营造舒适氛围。浮躁意为不平静；凌乱意为不整齐；刺眼意为过于鲜艳或明亮。
她喜欢收藏一些___的瓷器，每件都很有历史感。
典雅形容瓷器具有经典美感和收藏价值。时尚意为流行；新奇意为新颖独特；实用意为有实际用途。
This qipao's design is elegant and suits her very well.
The classical furniture he collects is all very elegant.
The decoration style of this restaurant is elegant and tasteful.
Read this aloud:
这座老建筑保留了典雅的欧洲风格。
Focus: 典雅 (diǎnyǎ)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
她的举止总是那么典雅有气质。
Focus: 典雅有气质 (diǎnyǎ yǒu qìzhì)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
这幅画的线条简洁，色彩和谐，展现出一种典雅的美。
Focus: 典雅的美 (diǎnyǎ de měi)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
The correct order to form 'Her style is very elegant' is 她的 (her) 风格 (style) 非常 (very) 典雅 (elegant).
The correct order to form 'The restaurant created an elegant atmosphere' is 餐厅 (restaurant) 营造了 (created) 典雅的 (elegant) 气氛 (atmosphere).
The correct order to form 'Her demeanor is always very elegant' is 她的 (her) 举止 (demeanor) 总是 (always) 很 (very) 典雅 (elegant).
Choose the sentence where “典雅” is used correctly.
“典雅” describes something refined or classic, often referring to style, design, or behavior. Eating ice cream, action movies, or kicking a ball don't typically fit this description.
Which of the following items is most likely to be described as “典雅”?
“典雅” often describes things with classic beauty, refinement, or a sense of tradition, like an antique porcelain vase. The other options are generally not associated with this term.
Select the synonym closest to “典雅”.
Both “典雅” and “高雅” convey a sense of elegance and refinement. “华丽” implies grandeur, and “朴素” implies simplicity, while “粗俗” is an antonym.
A modern glass skyscraper with sharp angles would typically be described as “典雅”.
“典雅” usually refers to classic, traditional, or understated elegance, not typically modern, sharp-angled architecture.
When describing a person's demeanor, saying they have “典雅”举止 (diǎnyǎ jǔzhǐ) means they have elegant and refined manners.
“典雅” can indeed describe graceful and refined behavior or manners (举止 - jǔzhǐ).
The phrase “典雅的玩笑” (diǎnyǎ de wánxiào) means a very funny joke.
“典雅” describes elegance and refinement. Jokes (玩笑) are typically described as funny (好笑) or clever (巧妙), but not usually 'elegant.'
她穿上这件旗袍，显得格外___。
“典雅”指优美而不粗俗，常用来形容服饰、气质等。其他选项意思不符。
这座古建筑的设计风格非常___，充满了历史的韵味。
“典雅”可以形容建筑风格，表示其具有经典、优美的特征。其他选项不适合形容古建筑的风格。
在重要的社交场合，举止___的人通常更受欢迎。
“典雅”可以形容人的举止，表示其有教养、得体。其他选项都是贬义词或不合适的形容词。
一幅画如果被形容为“典雅”，通常意味着它的色彩鲜艳、构图复杂。
“典雅”更强调优美、含蓄和经典的风格，不一定指色彩鲜艳或构图复杂。有时甚至可能是简洁的。
一件衣服如果款式简洁大方，颜色素净，可以被描述为“典雅”。
“典雅”常用来形容简洁、大方、有品味的服饰风格。
形容一个人的谈吐“典雅”意味着他说话语速很快，声音洪亮。
“典雅”形容谈吐时，强调的是言语得体、有修养，而不是语速或音量。
Imagine you are describing an antique Chinese vase to a friend. How would you use '典雅' to convey its beauty and classic style?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
这个花瓶的设计非常典雅，线条流畅，图案古朴，完美展现了中国传统艺术的美学。无论是摆放在哪里，都能为空间增添一份独特的历史韵味。
Write a short paragraph about a piece of classical music that you find particularly '典雅'. Describe its qualities and why you use this word.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
肖邦的夜曲总是让我感受到一种难以言喻的典雅。它的旋律轻柔而富有意境，仿佛一位身着华服的淑女在月光下漫步。每一个音符都恰到好处，没有丝毫的冗余，展现出一种完美的和谐之美。
Describe a historical building or architectural style that you would characterize as '典雅'. Explain your choice with specific details.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
北京的故宫就是典雅的完美体现。它的建筑风格宏伟而不失精致，红墙黄瓦，雕梁画栋，每一处细节都透露出皇家的气派与典雅。对称的布局和严谨的结构，使得整个建筑群既庄重又充满了历史的厚重感。
根据短文，这位女士的什么特征被称为“典雅”？
Read this passage:
一家高档茶馆里，一位女士正品尝着香茗。她穿着一身旗袍，举手投足间都透露出一种典雅的气质。茶馆的装修也很有特色，古色古香的家具，精致的字画，都烘托出一种宁静而高雅的氛围。
根据短文，这位女士的什么特征被称为“典雅”？
短文中明确提到“她穿着一身旗袍，举手投足间都透露出一种典雅的气质”，说明是她的衣着和行为举止展现了典雅。
短文中明确提到“她穿着一身旗袍，举手投足间都透露出一种典雅的气质”，说明是她的衣着和行为举止展现了典雅。
短文中，哪些元素被用来营造“典雅的韵味”？
Read this passage:
一部老电影讲述了一个发生在民国时期的爱情故事。影片中女主角的服饰、言谈举止，以及她所居住的宅邸，都充满了典雅的韵味。导演通过这些细节，成功地营造了一个复古而浪漫的时代氛围，让观众沉浸其中。
短文中，哪些元素被用来营造“典雅的韵味”？
短文指出“影片中女主角的服饰、言谈举止，以及她所居住的宅邸，都充满了典雅的韵味”，所以这些都是营造典雅的元素。
短文指出“影片中女主角的服饰、言谈举止，以及她所居住的宅邸，都充满了典雅的韵味”，所以这些都是营造典雅的元素。
京剧的哪些方面体现了“古典而典雅的美”？
Read this passage:
在一场重要的文化交流活动中，中国代表团向国际友人展示了京剧艺术。京剧的表演融合了唱、念、做、打，其独特的脸谱、服饰和身段，都体现出一种古典而典雅的美。观众们都被这种独特的艺术形式所深深吸引。
京剧的哪些方面体现了“古典而典雅的美”？
短文提到“其独特的脸谱、服饰和身段，都体现出一种古典而典雅的美”，因此这些是体现典雅的方面。
短文提到“其独特的脸谱、服饰和身段，都体现出一种古典而典雅的美”，因此这些是体现典雅的方面。
/ 72 correct
Perfect score!
Understanding 典雅
典雅 (diǎnyǎ) describes something that is elegant, refined, or classic. Think of it as a sophisticated kind of beauty.
When to use 典雅
You can use 典雅 for art, architecture, clothing, interior design, or even a person's demeanor. It implies a sense of timeless quality and grace.
典雅 vs. 漂亮 (piàoliang)
While 漂亮 means beautiful or pretty, 典雅 adds a layer of sophistication and restraint. A flashy dress might be 漂亮, but a simple, well-tailored dress could be 典雅.
典雅 in a sentence
这座建筑非常典雅。(Zhè zuò jiànzhú fēicháng diǎnyǎ.) - This building is very elegant. (Hint: '这座建筑' means 'this building', '非常' means 'very'.)
Example
她穿着一件典雅的旗袍。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More daily_life words
朝九晚五
B2From nine to five; regular working hours.
未免
B2Rather; a bit too; truly (implies something excessive).
废弃
B2To abandon; to discard; to cease to use.
恪守
B2To scrupulously observe; to strictly adhere to.
反常
B2abnormal, unusual
充裕
B2Abundant; ample.
充沛
B2Abundant; plentiful; full of energy.
门禁卡
B2Access card; entry card.
门禁
B2Access control (system).
配件
B2Fittings; accessories; spare parts.
