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B1 adjective 8 min read

英俊

yingjun

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 英俊 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 英俊 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn '英俊' (yīngjùn) as a basic word for 'handsome.' While you might use '帅' (shuài) more often, '英俊' is a good word to know for reading. It is used to describe men. For example, if you see a picture of a prince in a storybook, you can say '他很英俊' (He is very handsome). You should remember that '英' means outstanding and '俊' means handsome. It is a very positive word. You usually put '很' (hěn) before it to say 'very handsome.' Don't use it for girls or objects like cars or houses. It is only for men. It is a polite and nice way to compliment a man's appearance.

At the A2 level, you can start to distinguish between '英俊' (yīngjùn) and '帅' (shuài). '帅' is like 'cool' or 'hot' and is very casual. '英俊' is more formal and 'classic.' You will see '英俊' in textbooks and more formal stories. You can use it in the pattern 'Subject + 长得 (zhǎng de) + 很英俊,' which means 'Subject grows/looks very handsome.' For example, '他的哥哥长得很英俊' (His older brother looks very handsome). You can also use it to describe a specific person, like '一个英俊的男人' (A handsome man). Remember to use the particle '的' (de) when putting it before a noun. It is a useful word for describing people in your family or famous actors.

At the B1 level, you should understand that '英俊' (yīngjùn) implies more than just a good-looking face; it suggests a refined and noble appearance. It is a common word in Chinese literature and media. You should be able to use it in more complex sentences, such as '虽然他不高，但是他长得很英俊' (Although he is not tall, he looks very handsome). You will also encounter it in phrases like '英俊潇洒' (yīngjùn xiāosǎ), which describes someone who is both handsome and has a natural, charming manner. At this level, you should also be aware that while the '英' character can mean 'heroic,' the word as a whole is almost always about physical appearance in modern conversation, though it retains a 'heroic' flavor.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using '英俊' (yīngjùn) in descriptive writing and formal discussions. You should recognize its role in character development within Chinese novels and films. It is often used to describe the 'ideal' man in traditional Chinese culture—someone who is not just handsome but also looks capable and talented. You might see it used to describe a 'brilliant' person in a more abstract sense, though this is less common today. You should also understand the negative forms and comparisons, such as '他英俊的外表下隐藏着一颗冷酷的心' (Beneath his handsome exterior lies a cold heart). This shows how the word can be used to create contrast in storytelling.

At the C1 level, you should explore the etymological roots and the literary 'weight' of '英俊' (yīngjùn). The character '英' (yīng) relates to 'flowers' and 'excellence,' while '俊' (jùn) relates to 'superiority.' In classical Chinese, '英俊' referred to people of extraordinary talent and wisdom (talented and outstanding). You should be able to identify when an author is using the word to evoke a sense of traditional masculinity or 'heroic' beauty. You should also be able to distinguish it from similar high-level terms like '俊朗' (jùnlǎng - handsome and bright) or '儒雅' (rúyǎ - scholarly and refined). Using '英俊' in your own writing adds a layer of sophistication and shows a deep understanding of Chinese aesthetic values.

At the C2 level, you should master the nuances of '英俊' (yīngjùn) across various historical periods of Chinese literature. You should be able to discuss how the definition of '英俊' has shifted from a focus on intellectual and martial brilliance in ancient times to its primary focus on physical beauty in the modern era. You should also be able to analyze its use in classical poetry or 'Chengyu' (idioms), such as '英俊不凡' (extraordinarily handsome). At this level, you should be able to use the word in high-level socio-cultural critiques or literary analysis, perhaps discussing the 'ideal man' archetype in Chinese media. You should understand the subtle difference in 'register' when choosing '英俊' over synonyms in different dialects or formal speeches.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

英俊 in 30 Seconds

英俊 (yīngjùn) is a formal Chinese adjective meaning 'handsome,' primarily used for men.
It combines '英' (outstanding/heroic) and '俊' (excellent/beautiful) to describe refined attractiveness.
Commonly found in literature, period dramas, and formal descriptions rather than casual slang.
It implies a sense of nobility and talent alongside physical good looks.

The Chinese term 英俊 (yīngjùn) is a sophisticated and highly complimentary adjective used primarily to describe a man who is not only physically attractive but also possesses an air of nobility, talent, or distinction. Unlike the more common and colloquial word 帅 (shuài), which can be translated as 'cool' or 'good-looking' and is used frequently in daily conversation, 英俊 carries a more formal, literary, and classical weight. It suggests a combination of 'heroic beauty' and 'intellectual brilliance.'

Core Semantic Breakdown: The first character, 英 (yīng), originally referred to a flower or the most outstanding part of a plant. In a human context, it evolved to mean 'hero' or 'extraordinary talent.' The second character, 俊 (jùn), denotes excellence, handsomeness, and high quality. Together, they describe a person who stands out from the crowd due to their refined features and impressive presence.
Gender and Scope: Historically and traditionally, 英俊 is reserved for males. While modern slang occasionally blurs these lines, using 英俊 for a woman is rare and usually implies a 'handsome' or 'gallant' masculine beauty (often described as 英姿飒爽 - yīngzī sàshuǎng). For men, it is the highest form of aesthetic praise in formal writing, literature, and period dramas.

那位年轻的军官长得十分英俊，深受大家的敬佩。
— Translation: That young officer looks very handsome and is deeply admired by everyone.

In a broader, more archaic sense, 英俊 can also refer to a person of exceptional talent or a 'brilliant' individual, regardless of their physical looks. In classical texts, you might see it used to describe a talented scholar or a wise ruler. However, in 21st-century Mandarin, 95% of its usage refers to male physical handsomeness that feels 'refined' rather than just 'trendy.'

他的五官深邃，显得格外英俊。
— Translation: His features are deep and well-defined, making him look exceptionally handsome.

Common Pairings: You will often see it paired as 英俊潇洒 (yīngjùn xiāosǎ), which means 'handsome and debonair' or 'handsome and natural/unrestrained.' This is the gold standard for describing a male protagonist in Chinese fiction.

To use this word correctly, think of the difference between 'cute' and 'statuesque.' A teenager might be 'shuai,' but a leading man in a historical epic is 'yingjun.' It implies a certain level of maturity and dignity that simpler adjectives lack.

Using 英俊 (yīngjùn) requires an understanding of Chinese sentence structure, particularly how adjectives function as predicates or modifiers. Because it is an attributive adjective, it often follows the degree adverb 很 (hěn - very) or 非常 (fēicháng - extremely).

Structure 1: Subject + Adverb + 英俊: This is the most common way to state that someone is handsome. Example: 他很英俊 (Tā hěn yīngjùn). Note that in Chinese, you don't usually use the verb 'to be' (是) with adjectives unless you are emphasizing a specific category or contrast.
Structure 2: 英俊 + 的 + Noun: When modifying a noun, you must add the particle 的 (de). Example: 一位英俊的年轻人 (Yí wèi yīngjùn de niánqīngrén) — A handsome young man. This is frequently used in descriptive writing.

照片上的他看起来非常英俊。
— Translation: He looks very handsome in the photo.

In formal literature, 英俊 can be used to describe specific features, such as an '英俊的面庞' (handsome face) or '英俊的轮廓' (handsome silhouette). It is rarely used for non-human objects. You would not call a car 'yingjun,' though you might call a horse 'yingjun' if it looks particularly noble and strong (though 神骏 shénjùn is more specific for horses).

岁月并没有带走他英俊的容貌。
— Translation: Time has not taken away his handsome appearance.

Comparative Usage: To compare two people, use the 比 (bǐ) structure: 哥哥比弟弟更英俊 (Gēge bǐ dìdi gèng yīngjùn) — The older brother is more handsome than the younger brother.

Finally, remember that 英俊 is often used in the four-character idiom (chengyu) style. For example, 才貌双全，英俊不凡 (Both talented and beautiful, extraordinarily handsome). This demonstrates the word's inherent link to both physical beauty and exceptional character.

While 英俊 (yīngjùn) is a standard vocabulary word, its frequency varies significantly across different media and social contexts. Understanding where you will encounter it helps in grasping its 'flavor.'

In Period Dramas (古装剧): This is the natural habitat of 英俊. In dramas set in the Tang, Ming, or Qing dynasties, characters often use formal language. A princess might describe a visiting general as 英俊非凡 (yīngjùn fēifán). It evokes a sense of traditional masculine virtues: a high brow, piercing eyes, and a dignified posture.
In Literature and Web Novels: When an author introduces a male lead (男主角), they almost always use 英俊 to establish his attractiveness. It is more descriptive than 'shuai.' An author might write, 'He had an 英俊 face that seemed carved from marble,' conveying a sense of permanence and classic beauty.

在小说中，男主角总是一个才华横溢且外表英俊的人。
— Translation: In novels, the male protagonist is always a person who is overflowing with talent and handsome in appearance.

In daily life, you might hear older generations using 英俊 to praise a young man. A grandmother might tell her grandson, 'You've grown up to be so 英俊!' In this context, it feels warmer and more respectful than calling him 'cool.' It carries a blessing of 'becoming a fine man.'

这位明星不仅演技好，人也长得英俊。
— Translation: This star not only has good acting skills, but he is also handsome.

Formal Introductions: At a wedding, the emcee might describe the groom as 英俊挺拔 (yīngjùn tǐngbá), meaning 'handsome and upright.' This highlights the social expectation of a man being both physically pleasing and morally/physically strong.

You will rarely hear 英俊 in high-energy, slang-heavy environments like gaming chats or hip-hop songs. There, 炸 (zhà) or 牛 (niú) or 帅 (shuài) are the preferred terms. 英俊 remains the choice for elegance and timelessness.

While 英俊 (yīngjùn) is relatively straightforward, English speakers often make nuanced errors based on the differences between 'handsome,' 'pretty,' and 'cool.'

Mistake 1: Using it for Women: In English, we might occasionally call a woman 'handsome' (implying a strong, dignified beauty). In Chinese, using 英俊 for a woman is technically incorrect in standard speech. Use 漂亮 (piàoliang) or 美丽 (měilì). If you want to describe a woman with a 'handsome' or 'cool' vibe, use 飒 (sà) or 英气 (yīngqì).
Mistake 2: Confusing it with 'Shuai' (帅): Many learners treat these as perfect synonyms. However, 帅 is much more casual. Calling a toddler 英俊 sounds a bit strange and overly formal; 帅 or 可爱 (kě'ài) is better. Conversely, describing a legendary historical hero as just 帅 might sound too modern and disrespectful of the epic context.

错误：这朵花长得很英俊。
— Correction: Flowers are 'beautiful' (美丽), not 'handsome'.

Another common error is applying 英俊 to inanimate objects. In English, one might say 'a handsome profit' or 'a handsome building.' In Chinese, 英俊 is strictly for sentient beings (mostly humans, occasionally noble animals like horses). For a building, use 宏伟 (hóngwěi - grand) or 漂亮 (piàoliang).

错误：他的穿搭很英俊。
— Correction: Clothes are 'fashionable' (时尚) or 'good-looking' (好看). The person is 英俊, not the outfit.

The 'Brilliant' Confusion: While the dictionary says 英俊 means 'brilliant,' using it to mean 'smart' in a classroom setting (e.g., 'You are a yingjun student') will confuse people. Use 聪明 (cōngmíng) or 优秀 (yōuxiù) instead.

In summary, keep 英俊 for men, keep it formal, and keep it focused on the person as a whole rather than their accessories or inanimate surroundings.

Chinese has a rich vocabulary for beauty. Depending on the nuance you want to convey, 英俊 (yīngjùn) might be your best choice, or one of these alternatives might fit better.

帅 (shuài) - Handsome / Cool: Difference: Casual vs. Formal. 帅 is the most common word for 'handsome.' It's what you call a celebrity or a friend. 英俊 is more elegant and descriptive of a person's innate quality.
俊美 (jùnměi) - Delicately Handsome: Difference: 俊美 adds the character for 'beautiful' (美). It describes a man with more delicate, refined, or 'pretty' features, often used in romance novels to describe a 'flower boy' (花美男).
魁梧 (kuíwú) - Well-built / Stalwart: Difference: While 英俊 focuses on the face and aura, 魁梧 focuses on the body. A man can be 魁梧 (tall and muscular) without being 英俊.

比起那个帅气的男孩，我更喜欢这位成熟而英俊的绅士。
— Translation: Compared to that cool boy, I prefer this mature and handsome gentleman.

Other words include 潇洒 (xiāosǎ), which refers to a person's charming and natural manner, and 端正 (duānzhèng), which means 'regular' or 'upright' features (often used to say someone is decent-looking but not necessarily a supermodel).

他长得并不英俊，但却有一种儒雅的气质。
— Translation: He is not handsome, but he has a scholarly and refined temperament.

Classical Terms: In ancient Chinese, one might use 貌比潘安 (mào bǐ Pān Ān) — 'looks like Pan An' (a famous handsome man from history). 英俊 is the modern bridge to these classical ideals of male beauty.

Choosing the right word depends on the 'vibe' of the person. If they look like they belong on a movie poster for a serious historical drama, 英俊 is the word. If they look like they belong in a boy band, 帅 or 俊美 is usually better.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient texts like the 'Records of the Grand Historian' (Shiji), 英俊 referred more to intelligence and talent than just physical beauty.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /jɪŋ dʒuːn/

US /jɪŋ dʒun/

Equal stress on both syllables, following the 1st and 4th tone patterns.

Rhymes With

清峻 (qīngjùn) 才俊 (cáijùn) 严峻 (yánjùn) 精英 (jīngyīng) 欢迎 (huānyíng) 雄英 (xióngyīng) 崇峻 (chóngjùn) 峻 (jùn)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'Jun' like 'John'. It should be a 'ü' sound, though often simplified to 'u' in Pinyin.
Missing the tones: Yīng (High flat) and Jùn (Sharp falling).
Confusion with 'Yingxiong' (Hero).
Nasalizing the 'ng' in Ying too much.
Pronouncing the 'J' in Jun like a French 'J'. It should be a crisp 'Dzh' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize but characters are slightly complex for beginners.

Writing 4/5

The character '俊' has many strokes and requires practice.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to say, but tone precision is important.

Listening 2/5

Clearly distinguishable from other common words.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

帅漂亮男人长得很

Learn Next

潇洒挺拔气质俊美容貌

Advanced

英姿飒爽气宇轩昂温文尔雅仪表不凡玉树临风

Grammar to Know

Adjectives as Predicates

他英俊。 (He is handsome.)

Attributive 'de'

英俊的医生。 (Handsome doctor.)

Degree Adverbs

非常英俊。 (Extremely handsome.)

Comparison with 'bi'

他比我英俊。 (He is handsomer than me.)

The 'zhang de' structure

他长得英俊。 (He looks handsome.)

Examples by Level

他很英俊。

He is very handsome.

Subject + Adverb + Adjective.

他是英俊的男人。

He is a handsome man.

Using '的' to modify a noun.

我的弟弟不英俊。

My younger brother is not handsome.

Negative form using '不'.

老师很英俊。

The teacher is very handsome.

Simple descriptive sentence.

王子很英俊。

The prince is very handsome.

Common noun '王子'.

他长得英俊吗？

Does he look handsome?

Question form using '吗'.

那个男孩英俊。

That boy is handsome.

Demonstrative '那个'.

他非常英俊。

He is extremely handsome.

Intensity adverb '非常'.

他长得很英俊。

He looks very handsome.

The '长得' (zhǎng de) structure describes appearance.

照片里的他很英俊。

He is handsome in the photo.

Locative phrase '照片里的'.

他是一个英俊的医生。

He is a handsome doctor.

Modifying a professional noun.

我觉得他很英俊。

I think he is very handsome.

Expressing an opinion with '觉得'.

你哥哥长得真英俊！

Your older brother looks so handsome!

Exclamatory adverb '真'.

那个英俊的男人是谁？

Who is that handsome man?

Interrogative '是谁'.

他比以前更英俊了。

He is more handsome than before.

Comparative '比' and '更'.

我喜欢英俊的男生。

I like handsome boys.

Direct object with '的'.

他英俊潇洒，很有魅力。

He is handsome and natural, very charming.

Using the common pairing '英俊潇洒'.

虽然他很英俊，但是他很害羞。

Although he is handsome, he is very shy.

Concessive clause '虽然...但是'.

他英俊的面庞吸引了很多人。

His handsome face attracted many people.

Subject-Verb-Object with a modified subject.

他长得既英俊又高大。

He is both handsome and tall.

Correlative conjunction '既...又'.

大家都说他长得非常英俊。

Everyone says he looks very handsome.

Reported speech.

这位英俊的演员演得很好。

This handsome actor performs very well.

Modifying a subject with an adjective.

他有着一双英俊的眼睛。

He has a pair of handsome eyes.

Describing specific features.

你觉得哪位明星最英俊？

Which star do you think is the most handsome?

Superlative '最'.

他的英俊让他在人群中脱颖而出。

His handsomeness made him stand out from the crowd.

Using '英俊' as a noun-like quality.

他英俊的外表下有一颗善良的心。

Beneath his handsome exterior lies a kind heart.

Abstract description.

他那英俊的轮廓在月光下很清晰。

His handsome silhouette was clear in the moonlight.

Literary description.

导演正在寻找一位英俊的男主角。

The director is looking for a handsome male lead.

Professional context.

他那英俊的笑容极具感染力。

His handsome smile is very infectious.

Describing an effect.

岁月虽然流逝，他依然英俊如初。

Though years have passed, he is still as handsome as before.

Literary expression '如初'.

他是一位英俊挺拔的年轻军官。

He is a handsome and upright young officer.

Double adjective modification.

不要只看他英俊的外表，要看他的才华。

Don't just look at his handsome appearance; look at his talent.

Imperative with '不要'.

在古代，英俊不仅指外貌，还指过人的才智。

In ancient times, 'yingjun' referred not only to appearance but also to extraordinary intelligence.

Historical context.

他那英俊不凡的气质令人过目难忘。

His extraordinarily handsome temperament is unforgettable.

Using '不凡' (extraordinary).

小说家笔下的男主人公总是英俊而忧郁。

The male protagonist in the novelist's pen is always handsome and melancholy.

Literary analysis.

这种英俊是带着一种阳刚之气的。

This kind of handsomeness carries a sense of masculinity.

Abstract categorization.

他的容貌谈不上英俊，但很有个性。

His looks can't be called handsome, but he has a lot of personality.

Using '谈不上' (cannot be called).

英俊的容颜终会老去，唯有品德永恒。

Handsome faces will eventually age; only virtue is eternal.

Philosophical statement.

他英俊的脸庞透出一股坚毅的力量。

His handsome face revealed a sense of determined strength.

Describing inner qualities through appearance.

他被誉为当代最英俊的艺术家之一。

He is praised as one of the most handsome artists of contemporary times.

Passive structure '被誉为'.

所谓英俊，在魏晋时期更多是指一种名士风流。

The so-called 'yingjun' in the Wei and Jin dynasties referred more to a kind of romantic and scholarly spirit.

Academic historical analysis.

他虽然面容英俊，言谈间却流露出几分庸俗。

Although he has a handsome face, his conversation reveals a bit of vulgarity.

Complex character contrast.

那种超凡脱俗的英俊，绝非皮囊之美所能涵盖。

That kind of otherworldly handsomeness is by no means something that physical beauty alone can encompass.

High-level philosophical rhetoric.

其人英俊伟岸，颇有乃父之风。

The man is handsome and imposing, much like his father.

Classical/Formal style '颇有...之风'.

这种带有侵略性的英俊，往往让人感到压迫。

This kind of aggressive handsomeness often makes people feel oppressed.

Psychological description.

他以其英俊的形象塑造了一系列经典角色。

He used his handsome image to create a series of classic characters.

Discussing career impact.

英俊的外表往往成为他职业生涯的敲门砖。

A handsome appearance often becomes the stepping stone for his career.

Metaphorical usage '敲门砖'.

在审美多元化的今天，英俊的定义也在不断演变。

In today's era of diversified aesthetics, the definition of handsome is also constantly evolving.

Sociological observation.

Common Collocations

英俊潇洒

长得英俊

英俊的面庞

英俊挺拔

英俊少年

格外英俊

英俊非凡

十分英俊

英俊的脸

英俊的外表

Common Phrases

英俊潇洒

— Handsome and debonair. Used to describe an ideal man.

电影里的男主角英俊潇洒。

英俊挺拔

— Handsome and standing tall. Focuses on both face and posture.

士兵们个个英俊挺拔。

英俊不凡

— Extraordinarily handsome. Implies a unique beauty.

他的气质英俊不凡。

英俊少年

— A handsome youth. Common in coming-of-age stories.

英俊少年总能吸引目光。

英俊的面孔

— A handsome face. Standard descriptive phrase.

她盯着他那英俊的面孔。

英俊的容貌

— Handsome appearance/features. Slightly more formal than face.

他拥有英俊的容貌。

才貌双全，英俊潇洒

— Talented and handsome, debonair. The ultimate compliment.

他真是才貌双全，英俊潇洒。

英俊小生

— A handsome young actor. Often used in traditional theater contexts.

他在戏里扮演英俊小生。

英俊威武

— Handsome and mighty. Used for soldiers or leaders.

将军看起来英俊威武。

长相英俊

— To have handsome looks. A factual description.

他的长相十分英俊。

Often Confused With

英俊 vs 英明

Means 'wise' or 'brilliant' (mental), while 英俊 is usually physical beauty.

英俊 vs 英雄

Means 'hero.' While heroes are often 英俊, the words refer to different qualities.

英俊 vs 俊俏

Usually describes a more delicate or youthful prettiness, often for women or young boys.

Idioms & Expressions

"英俊潇洒"

— Handsome and natural in manner. Extremely common in literature.

他英俊潇洒，是无数少女的偶像。

Literary/Neutral

"才貌双全"

— Possessing both talent and beauty. Often used with 英俊.

他英俊不凡，才貌双全。

Formal

"仪表堂堂"

— Dignified and handsome in appearance.

他英俊潇洒，仪表堂堂。

Formal

"玉树临风"

— A metaphor for a handsome and elegant man (like a jade tree in the wind).

他长得英俊，真可谓玉树临风。

Literary

"貌比潘安"

— As handsome as Pan An (the legendary beauty).

他英俊至极，简直貌比潘安。

Literary

"英气逼人"

— A heroic and handsome aura that is striking.

这位年轻人英俊挺拔，英气逼人。

Literary

"气宇不凡"

— Having an extraordinary bearing or presence.

他英俊的面庞透着气宇不凡。

Formal

"飒爽英姿"

— Valiant and heroic bearing (often used for soldiers or strong women).

虽不英俊，但他有一种飒爽英姿。

Formal

"面如冠玉"

— A face as beautiful as a crown of jade.

他英俊文雅，面如冠玉。

Literary

"卓尔不群"

— Standing out from the common crowd (can include looks).

他英俊的外表让他卓尔不群。

Literary

Easily Confused

英俊 vs 帅 (shuài)

Both mean handsome.

Shuai is casual/modern; Yingjun is formal/classical. Shuai can mean 'cool' in action, Yingjun is about facial/inherent beauty.

这动作真帅！ (This move is so cool!) vs 他长得英俊。 (He is handsome.)

英俊 vs 漂亮 (piàoliang)

Both describe beauty.

Piàoliang is mostly for women/objects; Yingjun is for men.

她很漂亮。 (She is pretty.) vs 他很英俊。 (He is handsome.)

英俊 vs 美丽 (měilì)

Both mean beautiful.

Měilì is formal beauty for women/scenery; Yingjun is specifically masculine handsomeness.

美丽的风景。 (Beautiful scenery.)

英俊 vs 俊美 (jùnměi)

Very similar in meaning.

Jùnměi is more 'pretty-handsome' (feminine features); Yingjun is more 'heroic-handsome' (masculine features).

他长得太俊美了，像个女孩子。 (He is too pretty-handsome, like a girl.)

英俊 vs 端正 (duānzhèng)

Both describe a good face.

Duānzhèng means 'neat/symmetrical/standard'; Yingjun is a higher level of attractiveness.

他五官端正。 (His features are regular.)

Sentence Patterns

他很英俊。

He is very handsome.

他长得很英俊。

He looks very handsome.

他是一个英俊潇洒的男人。

He is a handsome and debonair man.

他的英俊吸引了所有人。

His handsomeness attracted everyone.

英俊的外表固然重要，但内在美更关键。

A handsome appearance is important, but inner beauty is more crucial.

他那英俊不凡的气度，非一般人可比。

His extraordinary handsome bearing is beyond comparison.

虽然他不英俊，但他很温柔。

Although he isn't handsome, he is very gentle.

那个英俊的男孩是谁？

Who is that handsome boy?

Word Family

Nouns

英俊气 (yīngjùnqì - a handsome air)

英才 (yīngcái - person of talent)

Adjectives

俊俏 (jùnqiào - pretty/handsome)

俊美 (jùnměi - beautiful/handsome)

英雄 (yīngxióng - hero)

俊杰 (jùnjié - outstanding person)

英明 (yīngmíng - wise/brilliant)

精英 (jīngyīng - elite)

俊拔 (jùnbá - outstanding)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in literature and media, less frequent in daily spoken slang.

Common Mistakes

Using 英俊 for a girl. → 使用漂亮 (piàoliang) 或美丽 (měilì).
英俊 is specifically for males in standard Chinese.
Saying '英俊的狗' (Handsome dog). → 使用漂亮 (piàoliang).
While noble horses can be 'yingjun,' most animals are just 'beautiful' or 'cute.'
Confusing 英俊 with 聪明 (Smart). → Use 聪明 for intelligence.
Although it meant 'brilliant' historically, today it almost always means 'handsome.'
Using 英俊 as a verb. → Use '长得英俊' or '变英俊'.
It is an adjective and needs a linking structure to describe an action.
Overusing it in casual texting. → Use 帅 (shuài).
英俊 can sound a bit 'stiff' or 'dramatic' in a quick WeChat message.

Tips

Formal Writing

Always prefer 英俊 over 帅 when writing a story or a formal report about a person's appearance.

Period Dramas

Watch Chinese historical dramas. You will hear 英俊 used to describe generals and emperors constantly.

The 'Zhang De' Rule

Use '长得英俊' to describe someone's natural looks. Use '看起来英俊' to describe how they look right now (perhaps due to clothes).

Mix and Match

In a long paragraph, alternate between 英俊, 帅气, and 俊朗 to avoid repetition.

Tone Accuracy

Make sure 'Jun' falls sharply (4th tone). If you say it with a flat tone, it might sound like other words.

Character Root

Remembering that '英' means 'hero' helps you remember that 英俊 is a 'heroic' kind of handsome.

Nuance

Think of 英俊 as 'statuesque handsome' and 帅 as 'cool handsome'.

Stroke Order

The character 俊 is tricky. Practice the right side (夋) carefully to make your writing look balanced.

Complimenting

If you want to impress a Chinese person with your vocabulary, use 英俊 to describe their son or brother.

Context Clues

If you see 英俊 in an old text, check if it refers to talent rather than looks.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Ying' as 'Young' and 'Jun' as 'June'. A young man in June looks fresh and handsome.

Visual Association

Imagine a prince (Ying) standing in front of a majestic mountain (Jun).

Word Web

帅漂亮男人外貌英雄才华潇洒容貌

Challenge

Try to describe three different famous actors using '英俊' versus '帅' in your head.

Word Origin

Comes from Middle Chinese. '英' (Ying) originally meant 'flower' or 'petal' (the most beautiful part of a plant). '俊' (Jun) meant 'superior' or 'refined.'

Original meaning: A person of superior talent and distinguished appearance.

Sino-Tibetan (Sinitic).

Cultural Context

Calling a very feminine man '英俊' might feel slightly contradictory to the word's traditional masculine roots.

In English, 'handsome' can be used for women or buildings, but in Chinese, '英俊' is strictly gendered and person-specific.

Pan An (Ancient handsome man) Zhou Yu (Handsome general from Three Kingdoms) Modern 'idol' culture often debates who is 'Yingjun' vs 'Shuai'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Describing an actor

英俊的脸庞
英俊潇洒
长相英俊
最英俊的演员

Reading a novel

英俊少年
英俊不凡
英俊的轮廓
面容英俊

At a wedding

新郎英俊
英俊挺拔
才貌双全
十分英俊

Historical discussion

英俊才杰
英俊武断
貌比潘安
古代英俊男子

Complimenting a friend's brother

你哥哥真英俊
长得英俊
英俊的小伙子
非常英俊

Conversation Starters

"你觉得哪位中国男明星最英俊？ (Which Chinese male star do you think is the most handsome?)"

"你更喜欢英俊的男生还是幽默的男生？ (Do you prefer handsome boys or humorous boys?)"

"在你的文化里，英俊的定义是什么？ (In your culture, what is the definition of handsome?)"

"你觉得他长得英俊吗？ (Do you think he looks handsome?)"

"你见过最英俊的人是谁？ (Who is the most handsome person you have ever seen?)"

Journal Prompts

描写一个你认为非常英俊的人，包括他的外貌和气质。 (Describe someone you think is very handsome, including their appearance and temperament.)

讨论一下“英俊”和“帅”的区别。 (Discuss the difference between 'yingjun' and 'shuai'.)

如果一个人长得不英俊，他可以通过什么方式变得有吸引力？ (If a person is not handsome, how can they become attractive?)

写一个关于英俊王子和勇敢公主的故事。 (Write a story about a handsome prince and a brave princess.)

你认为外表英俊在职业生涯中重要吗？为什么？ (Do you think a handsome appearance is important in a career? Why?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but it sounds very formal. If you are talking to your friends, '帅' (shuài) is more natural. If you are introducing him to your parents in a formal way, '英俊' is a great choice.

In modern Chinese, yes. However, in classical literature, it can also mean someone who is exceptionally talented or brilliant. For daily life, just stick to 'handsome'.

Generally, no. For a woman with a 'handsome' look, use '英气' (yīngqì) or '飒' (sà). Using '英俊' for a woman might sound like you're calling her manly.

英俊 is more masculine and noble. 俊俏 (jùnqiào) is more about being 'pretty' or 'smart-looking' and can be used for young boys or even women in certain contexts.

No. 英俊 is for people (and sometimes noble animals like horses). For clothes, use '帅气' (shuàiqi), '好看' (hǎokàn), or '时尚' (shíshàng).

It has a person radical (亻) on the left and 'jun' (夋) on the right. It is a phono-semantic compound. The right side provides the sound.

No, it is a very high compliment. However, because it is formal, it might sound a bit intense. '帅哥' (shuàigē) is a common casual way to address a young man.

It is a four-character idiom describing a man who is both handsome and has a natural, charming, and unrestrained manner. It's the 'perfect man' description.

Yes, it typically appears in HSK 4 or HSK 5 materials (CEFR B1/B2 level).

It's a bit too 'grown-up' for a baby. For babies, use '可爱' (kě'ài - cute) or '漂亮' (piàoliang). Calling a baby '英俊' sounds like you are predicting he will be a handsome man.