Cangbai describes both a bloodless, sickly complexion and abstract ideas that lack strength or evidence.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Describes skin lacking healthy color due to illness or fear.
- Used metaphorically to describe weak or unconvincing arguments.
- Often implies a sense of fragility or lack of vitality.
1) 概览：苍白（cāng bái）是一个形容词，基本含义是颜色灰白、没有血色。它不仅可以描述物理层面的肤色，还可以引申到抽象概念，如话语、解释或事实，表示其缺乏力度或说服力。
2) 用法模式：在描述人时，常与“脸色”、“脸庞”连用，如“脸色苍白”。在描述抽象事物时，常与“显得”、“变得”等动词搭配，如“显得苍白无力”。
3) 常见语境：该词常出现在文学描写、医疗场景或辩论语境中。例如，在文学中描写人物受惊后的反应，或在评论中指出某人的辩解站不住脚。
4) 近义词辨析：与“惨白”相比，“苍白”程度较轻，多为客观描述；“惨白”则带有强烈的惊恐或极度虚弱的感情色彩。与“白皙”不同，“白皙”是褒义词，指皮肤白嫩，而“苍白”通常带有病态或负面观感。
Examples
她生病了，脸色显得很苍白。
everydayShe is ill, and her complexion looks very pale.
他的解释在事实面前显得苍白无力。
formalHis explanation seems weak and unconvincing in the face of facts.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
面色苍白
Pale face
苍白如纸
As pale as paper
Often Confused With
Canbai implies a more intense, death-like or frightening paleness. It is stronger than cangbai.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Cangbai is neutral to formal in register. It is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese. Be careful not to use it as a compliment for skin color, as it implies illness.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use it for inanimate objects like paper or walls. It should be reserved for living things or abstract concepts. Avoid confusing it with 'white' (白色).
Tips
Use with body parts
Always pair 'cangbai' with words like 'face' (脸) or 'complexion' (脸色) to sound natural. It emphasizes the loss of natural vitality.
Avoid positive contexts
Do not use 'cangbai' to describe beautiful white skin. It sounds like the person is sick or dead.
Literary usage in Chinese
In Chinese literature, 'cangbai' is frequently used to evoke empathy for a character suffering from internal turmoil or physical ailment.
Word Origin
The character 'Cang' refers to a dark or ash-like color, while 'Bai' means white. Together they describe the loss of red blood tones in the skin.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, a healthy complexion is associated with good 'Qi' (energy). A pale face suggests a deficiency in Qi or health.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person who is 'Cang' (cold/gray) and 'Bai' (white) because they are scared. This visual helps link the word to its sickly meaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions“白色”是中性颜色词，指代一种颜色。而“苍白”特指因血色丧失而呈现的灰白色，通常带有病态或虚弱的暗示。
通常不建议这样使用。描述墙壁颜色一般用“惨白”或“灰白”，因为“苍白”更多用于形容生物或抽象的逻辑。
这是一个常用成语，指言语或论证非常薄弱，无法让人信服。它常用于形容辩解或空洞的承诺。
Test Yourself
听到这个坏消息，他的脸色瞬间变得___了。
因为受到惊吓导致血色丧失，应使用“苍白”。
Score: /1
Summary
Cangbai describes both a bloodless, sickly complexion and abstract ideas that lack strength or evidence.
- Describes skin lacking healthy color due to illness or fear.
- Used metaphorically to describe weak or unconvincing arguments.
- Often implies a sense of fragility or lack of vitality.
Use with body parts
Always pair 'cangbai' with words like 'face' (脸) or 'complexion' (脸色) to sound natural. It emphasizes the loss of natural vitality.
Avoid positive contexts
Do not use 'cangbai' to describe beautiful white skin. It sounds like the person is sick or dead.
Literary usage in Chinese
In Chinese literature, 'cangbai' is frequently used to evoke empathy for a character suffering from internal turmoil or physical ailment.
Examples
2 of 2她生病了，脸色显得很苍白。
She is ill, and her complexion looks very pale.
他的解释在事实面前显得苍白无力。
His explanation seems weak and unconvincing in the face of facts.
