轮廓
轮廓 em 30 segundos
- 轮廓 refers to the outer line or silhouette of a physical object or person.
- It is commonly used in art to describe an initial sketch or profile.
- Metaphorically, it describes the general framework or rough draft of a plan.
- Commonly paired with adjectives like 'clear' (清晰) or 'blurred' (模糊).
The word 轮廓 (lúnkuò) is a sophisticated Chinese noun that primarily translates to "outline," "contour," or "profile." At its most basic level, it refers to the external lines that define the shape of an object, person, or landscape. However, its usage extends far beyond simple geometry, permeating the realms of art, literature, urban planning, and abstract conceptualization. Understanding this word requires looking at its two components: 轮 (lún), which originally referred to a wheel or a turn, and 廓 (kuò), which implies an outer wall, a boundary, or something vast and empty. Together, they suggest a boundary that encompasses a space, much like the rim of a wheel or the fortifications around a city.
- Visual Arts & Photography
- In the context of drawing or painting, 轮廓 refers to the initial sketch or the outer edge of a subject. An artist might start by drawing the 轮廓 of a model before filling in the details. In photography, it often describes the silhouette created when a subject is backlit, emphasizing the shape rather than the texture.
- Physical Appearance
- When describing people, 轮廓 often refers to facial features or body shape. A person with a 'deep outline' (轮廓深邃) usually has sharp, well-defined facial features, often associated with Western or mixed-heritage appearances in a Chinese context.
- Abstract Planning
- Metaphorically, 轮廓 is used to describe the general framework or rough draft of a plan, idea, or historical event. If a project 'has begun to take shape,' a Chinese speaker might say it has 'already appeared in outline' (初具轮廓).
夕阳西下,远山的轮廓在金色的余晖中显得格外清晰。(As the sun sets, the outline of the distant mountains appears exceptionally clear in the golden afterglow.)
You will frequently encounter this word in literary descriptions where an author wants to evoke a sense of mystery or grandeur. For instance, a city emerging from the fog or a ship appearing on the horizon is often described through its 轮廓. It suggests a perspective that is distant yet observant, focusing on the macro-structure rather than the micro-details. In modern professional settings, it is used during brainstorming sessions to denote the 'skeleton' of a proposal before the specifics are fleshed out.
他的五官轮廓分明,给人一种坚毅的感觉。(His facial features have a sharp outline, giving people a sense of perseverance.)
In a broader sense, 轮廓 can also describe the 'scope' of a problem or the 'contours' of a debate. It is a highly versatile word that bridges the gap between the physical world we see and the conceptual world we organize. Whether you are talking about the skyline of Shanghai, the silhouette of a tree, or the basic structure of a new law, 轮廓 is the precise term to use when you want to emphasize the boundary and form over the internal substance.
Using 轮廓 (lúnkuò) correctly involves understanding its role as a noun that can be modified by adjectives or act as the object of specific verbs. Because it deals with visual or conceptual clarity, it is often paired with verbs related to appearing, disappearing, or drawing. Here, we will explore the grammatical structures and common pairings that will make your Chinese sound more natural and sophisticated.
- Common Verb Pairings
- Verbs like 勾勒 (gōulè - to sketch/outline), 显现 (xiǎnxiàn - to appear), and 模糊 (móhu - to blur) are frequently used with 轮廓. For example, '勾勒出轮廓' means to sketch out the outline, while '轮廓逐渐模糊' means the outline is gradually blurring.
- Descriptive Adjectives
- To describe an outline, you can use 清晰 (qīngxī - clear), 分明 (fēnmíng - distinct), 柔和 (róuhé - soft), or 粗犷 (cūguǎng - rough/bold). '轮廓分明' is a very common idiom-like phrase used to describe sharp facial features or a well-defined landscape.
画家用几笔简单的线条就轮廓勾勒出了猫的神态。(With a few simple lines, the painter sketched out the cat's outline and demeanor.)
When using 轮廓 in an abstract sense, it often follows the pattern [Subject] + 的轮廓 + [Verb/Adjective]. For instance, '计划的轮廓已经清晰' (The outline of the plan is already clear). This indicates that while the details (细节) might not be fully decided, the general direction and scope are understood. Another common structure is 初具轮廓 (chū jù lúnkuò), which means 'to have initially taken shape.' This is a formal way to say a project or a building is starting to look like its final form.
在大雾中,我们只能看见建筑物的模糊轮廓。(In the heavy fog, we could only see the blurred outlines of the buildings.)
Furthermore, 轮廓 is often used in the context of light and shadow. In cinematography or stage lighting, the 'rim light' is sometimes discussed in terms of creating a clear 轮廓 for the actor. In literature, a character might be 'standing in the 轮廓 of the doorway,' emphasizing their presence without detailing their clothes or expression. This word allows for a high degree of precision in describing visual perception and conceptual clarity.
In daily life, 轮廓 (lúnkuò) appears in varied contexts ranging from professional critiques to casual observations about the weather. Understanding these real-world scenarios will help you recognize the word when it's spoken and use it appropriately in conversation.
- In Art and Design Studios
- If you take a drawing class in China, the teacher will constantly remind you to focus on the 轮廓 before shading. In graphic design, 'outline' tools are often translated as 轮廓工具. Designers might discuss the 'brand outline' or the 'visual contour' of a product using this term.
- In News and Documentaries
- News reports on urban development often use 轮廓 to describe the changing skyline (天际线) of a city. For example, '随着摩天大楼的建成,城市的轮廓发生了巨大的变化' (With the completion of skyscrapers, the city's outline has undergone a huge change). Documentaries about history might use it to describe the 'outline of an era' (时代的轮廓).
- In Beauty and Fashion
- Makeup tutorials in Chinese frequently use this word. 'Contouring' is often translated as 轮廓修容. Beauty influencers will talk about how to make your facial 轮廓 look more three-dimensional (立体) or defined.
这部纪录片勾勒出了二十世纪中国历史的宏伟轮廓。(This documentary sketches out the grand outline of 20th-century Chinese history.)
You will also hear it in high-level business meetings. When a CEO presents a new five-year plan, they might say, '今天我先给大家介绍一下这个计划的轮廓' (Today I will first introduce the outline of this plan to everyone). It signals that they are providing a summary or a framework, and the specifics will follow later. In police procedurals or crime novels, witnesses might describe the 轮廓 of a suspect seen in the dark, highlighting the uncertainty of the identification.
月光下,树木的轮廓显得有些阴森。(Under the moonlight, the outlines of the trees appear somewhat eerie.)
Finally, in literature, 轮廓 is a favorite of poets and novelists to create atmosphere. It allows the reader to fill in the blanks, focusing on the suggestive power of a shape. Whether it is the outline of a lover's face in a dimly lit room or the outline of a distant dream, the word carries a weight of both physical reality and poetic abstraction.
While 轮廓 (lúnkuò) is a straightforward concept, English speakers often confuse it with other Chinese words that also translate to 'shape,' 'form,' or 'outline.' Avoiding these common pitfalls will help you communicate with greater precision.
- Confusion with 形状 (xíngzhuàng)
- 形状 refers to the general geometric shape (circle, square, triangle). 轮廓 refers specifically to the outer line that defines that shape. You would say '这个物体的形状是圆的' (The shape of this object is round), but '这个物体的轮廓很模糊' (The outline of this object is blurred). Use 轮廓 when focusing on the edge or the boundary.
- Confusion with 样子 (yàngzi)
- 样子 is a very broad term for 'appearance' or 'manner.' It includes color, texture, and expression. 轮廓 is much more specific to the outer profile. If you say '他的样子变了,' you mean his whole look changed. If you say '他的轮廓变了,' you specifically mean his facial structure or body profile has changed, perhaps due to weight loss or aging.
- Confusion with 概括 (gàikuò)
- While both can mean 'outline' in an abstract sense, 概括 is a verb meaning 'to summarize' or 'to generalize.' 轮廓 is the noun representing the result of that summary. You can '概括一个故事' (summarize a story), but the story itself has a '情节轮廓' (plot outline).
错误:他的形状很好看。(Wrong: His 'shape' is good-looking - implies he is a geometric object.)
正确:他的轮廓很好看。(Right: His profile/outline is good-looking.)
Another mistake is using 轮廓 when you mean 'draft' (草稿 - cǎogǎo) or 'blueprint' (蓝图 - lántú). While 轮廓 can mean a conceptual outline, it specifically refers to the *form* it takes, whereas 草稿 refers to the physical paper or file that is a work in progress. If you are talking about the first version of an essay, use 草稿. If you are talking about the basic structure of the ideas within that essay, you can use 轮廓.
Lastly, be careful with the phrase '轮廓分明.' While it is a compliment for facial features, applying it to a messy situation would be sarcastic or incorrect. In abstract settings, ensure the 'outline' you are describing is actually a boundary of something, not just a random part of it. Precision in using 轮廓 marks the difference between an intermediate learner and an advanced speaker.
To truly master 轮廓 (lúnkuò), it's helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. This will allow you to choose the most precise word for the context you are in.
- 外形 (wàixíng) vs. 轮廓
- 外形 refers to the 'external appearance' or 'outer form.' It includes the surface, color, and texture. 轮廓 is strictly the edge lines. For a car, the 外形 includes the paint and the headlights; the 轮廓 is just the silhouette of the car against the horizon.
- 线条 (xiàntiáo) vs. 轮廓
- 线条 means 'lines.' While the 轮廓 is made of 线条, 轮廓 implies the *entire* boundary, whereas 线条 can refer to any line, including those inside the object (like the wrinkles on a face).
- 大纲 (dàgāng) vs. 轮廓
- 大纲 is specifically an 'outline' in the sense of a syllabus, a table of contents, or a bulleted list of points. 轮廓 is used for the conceptual 'shape' of an idea. You write an 大纲 for a book, but you describe the story's 轮廓.
虽然他还没写完小说,但故事的轮廓已经在他脑海里形成了。(Although he hasn't finished the novel, the outline of the story has already formed in his mind.)
In more formal or poetic Chinese, you might encounter 剪影 (jiǎnyǐng), which means 'silhouette' or 'paper-cutout profile.' This is a more artistic term than 轮廓 and is almost always used for visual contexts, especially when light is behind the subject. Another related term is 框架 (kuàngjià), meaning 'framework' or 'skeleton.' While 轮廓 describes the outer shape, 框架 describes the internal supporting structure. In business, you might 'build a 框架' and then 'define the 轮廓' of the project.
这辆新车的外形非常时尚,但其设计的轮廓保留了经典的比例。(The external appearance of this new car is very stylish, but the outline of its design retains classic proportions.)
By choosing between these words, you can convey exactly what part of an object's form you are focusing on. Whether it's the artistic silhouette (剪影), the structural framework (框架), or the descriptive boundary (轮廓), each word adds a different layer of meaning to your Chinese expression.
Guia de pronúncia
- Pronouncing 'kuo' as 'ku' (forgetting the 'o' sound).
- Mixing up the tones: pronouncing it as 'lún kuó' (rising-rising) instead of 'lún kuò' (rising-falling).
- Confusing 'lún' with 'lùn' (4th tone).
- Softening the 'k' sound in 'kuò' too much; it should be crisp.
- Pronouncing 'lun' like English 'loon' (it should be shorter and more like 'l-un').
Exemplos por nível
我画了一个山的轮廓。
I drew an outline of a mountain.
Subject + Verb + Object (Noun phrase with '轮廓')
这个房子的轮廓很大。
The outline of this house is very big.
Possessive '的' + '轮廓' as the subject.
你看,那是树的轮廓。
Look, that is the outline of a tree.
Identifying a noun phrase with '轮廓'.
他在纸上写下计划的轮廓。
He wrote down the outline of the plan on paper.
Abstract usage of 'outline' for a plan.
我看不清楚他的轮廓。
I can't see his outline clearly.
Verb + Resultative Complement (清楚) + Object.
太阳下,山的轮廓很美。
Under the sun, the outline of the mountain is beautiful.
Time/Place phrase + Subject + Adjective.
这是一个简单的轮廓。
This is a simple outline.
Simple A is B sentence.
请画出这个苹果的轮廓。
Please draw the outline of this apple.
Imperative sentence with '出' as a directional complement.
在雾中,我只能看到大楼的轮廓。
In the fog, I can only see the outline of the building.
Use of '只能' (can only) + Verb.
他的脸部轮廓很清楚。
His facial features' outline is very clear.
Descriptive sentence using '清楚' (clear).
远处的岛屿在海面上显出轮廓。
The distant island shows its outline on the sea surface.
Verb '显出' (to show/reveal) + Object.
画家先画轮廓,再画细节。
The painter draws the outline first, then the details.
Use of '先...再...' (first... then...).
月光照出了树木的轮廓。
The moonlight shone out the outlines of the trees.
Subject + Verb + Object.
这个城市的轮廓每天都在变。
The outline of this city is changing every day.
Subject + Adverbial (每天) + Verb.
你可以给我介绍一下这个故事的轮廓吗?
Can you introduce the outline of this story to me?
Requesting a summary using '轮廓'.
我喜欢这件衣服的轮廓。
I like the outline of this piece of clothing.
Expressing preference for a form/shape.
这幅画勾勒出了现代都市的轮廓。
This painting sketches out the outline of a modern city.
Verb '勾勒' (to sketch) often pairs with '轮廓'.
随着讨论的深入,计划的轮廓逐渐清晰起来。
As the discussion deepened, the outline of the plan gradually became clear.
Use of '逐渐' (gradually) and '起来' (inceptive complement).
他的五官轮廓分明,非常有魅力。
His facial features are well-defined and very charming.
The idiom-like phrase '轮廓分明'.
在大雨中,一切事物的轮廓都变得模糊了。
In the heavy rain, the outlines of everything became blurred.
Subject + '变得' (become) + Adjective.
老师要求我们先写出文章的轮廓。
The teacher asked us to first write out the outline of the essay.
Abstract usage for writing structure.
夕阳给群山镶上了一道金色的轮廓。
The setting sun edged the mountains with a golden outline.
Poetic usage with verb '镶' (to inlay/edge).
这件雕塑的轮廓非常有力量感。
The outline of this sculpture has a great sense of power.
Describing the aesthetic quality of a shape.
我们可以从这些数据中看出未来发展的轮廓。
We can see the outline of future development from these data.
Metaphorical usage for future trends.
新政策的轮廓已经初具,细节还有待商榷。
The outline of the new policy has initially taken shape; details are still to be discussed.
Use of '初具' (initially possess) and '有待' (yet to be).
这种化妆技巧可以修饰脸部轮廓,使之更立体。
This makeup technique can refine facial contours, making them more three-dimensional.
Technical usage in the beauty industry.
作者通过几个片段,勾勒出了那个时代的社会轮廓。
Through several fragments, the author sketched the social outline of that era.
Describing a literary summary of a period.
这栋建筑的轮廓与周围的自然环境完美融合。
The outline of this building blends perfectly with the surrounding natural environment.
Discussing architectural harmony.
在黑暗中,他只能通过轮廓辨认出那是他的朋友。
In the dark, he could only recognize that it was his friend by the silhouette.
Using '通过' (through/by) to indicate a means of recognition.
这个项目的初步轮廓已经得到了董事会的认可。
The preliminary outline of this project has received the board's approval.
Formal business context.
摄影师利用逆光强调了模特的优美轮廓。
The photographer used backlighting to emphasize the model's graceful outline.
Technical photography context.
历史的轮廓在这些古老的遗迹中若隐若现。
The outlines of history are faintly visible in these ancient ruins.
Poetic idiom '若隐若现' (faintly appearing and disappearing).
这篇论文旨在勾勒出中国古代哲学思想演变的宏观轮廓。
This thesis aims to sketch the macro-outline of the evolution of ancient Chinese philosophical thought.
Academic register with '旨在' (aims to) and '宏观' (macro).
虽然只是个初步的构想,但其逻辑轮廓已经非常严密。
Although it's just a preliminary concept, its logical outline is already very rigorous.
Describing the 'outline' of logic or reasoning.
城市的轮廓在夜色中被霓虹灯重新定义了。
The city's outline was redefined by neon lights in the night.
Passive voice '被' + '重新定义' (redefined).
他试图在回忆中捕捉那段往事模糊的轮廓。
He tried to capture the blurred outlines of those past events in his memory.
Metaphorical usage for memories.
这部小说通过多重叙事,展现了一个复杂人性的轮廓。
Through multiple narratives, this novel reveals the outline of a complex human nature.
High-level literary analysis.
地平线上,战舰的轮廓冰冷而威严地矗立着。
On the horizon, the outline of the warship stood cold and majestic.
Using descriptive adverbs '冰冷而威严地' (coldly and majestically).
这项研究初步勾勒出了该物种迁徙路线的轮廓。
This research has initially sketched the outline of the species' migration route.
Scientific research context.
当灯光熄灭,舞台上只留下演员们孤独的轮廓。
When the lights went out, only the lonely outlines of the actors remained on stage.
Evocative, descriptive language.
哲学家通过对存在本质的探讨,试图勾勒出真理的终极轮廓。
Through the exploration of the essence of existence, the philosopher attempts to sketch the ultimate outline of truth.
Highly abstract, philosophical register.
全球化的进程正在重塑世界经济的版图与轮廓。
The process of globalization is reshaping the map and contours of the world economy.
Macro-economic discussion.
这种艺术风格强调意境而非写实,往往只取其神髓与轮廓。
This artistic style emphasizes 'yijing' (artistic mood) over realism, often capturing only its essence and outline.
Discussing traditional Chinese aesthetics.
在历史的长河中,个人的命运往往只是一个微小的轮廓。
In the long river of history, an individual's fate is often just a tiny outline.
Philosophical metaphor using '历史的长河'.
他的理论为我们理解意识的起源提供了一个基本的轮廓。
His theory provides a basic outline for our understanding of the origin of consciousness.
Scientific/Theoretical framework.
文学作品的魅力有时恰恰在于那些未被填满的轮廓。
The charm of a literary work sometimes lies precisely in those unfilled outlines.
Literary theory and criticism.
通过对古籍的考证,学者们还原了失落文明的粗略轮廓。
Through the research of ancient texts, scholars have restored a rough outline of the lost civilization.
Historical/Archeological context.
法律的轮廓应当是清晰而坚定的,不容任何模糊地带。
The outline of the law should be clear and firm, allowing for no gray areas.
Legal and ethical discussion.
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
— Contouring (in makeup). Using makeup to define facial features.
学习轮廓修容可以让脸看起来更瘦。
— Outline; contour line. The actual line that forms the outline.
地图上的等高线也是一种轮廓线。
— A general outline. Used when summarizing something.
我只知道这件事情的大概轮廓。
— To sketch out the outline of... Used for both art and ideas.
这篇文章勾勒出了未来科技的轮廓。
— To show an outline. Often used for things appearing through fog or light.
远处的船只在晨雾中显现轮廓。
— Having a clear outline. Descriptive of visuals or ideas.
他的逻辑非常轮廓清晰。
— Having a blurred outline. Often used for memories or distant objects.
岁月的流逝让往事的轮廓模糊了。
— Project outline. The basic plan of a professional task.
经理在会议上介绍了项目轮廓。
— Facial contours. Specifically referring to the eyes, nose, mouth, etc.
他的五官轮廓很有立体感。
— Basic outline. The most fundamental part of a shape or plan.
这是我们新产品的基本轮廓。
Expressões idiomáticas
— Well-defined; distinct. Usually used to describe sharp facial features or clear landscapes.
他那轮廓分明的脸庞让人印象深刻。
Common— To have initially taken shape. Used when a project or construction is starting to look like its final form.
经过一年的建设,新校区已初具轮廓。
Formal— Partially visible and partially hidden. Often used with '轮廓' in literature.
群山的轮廓在云雾中若隐若现。
Literary— To be careless or to only look at the big picture without details. Related conceptually to '轮廓'.
做事情不能大而化之,只看个轮廓是不行的。
Common— To have a complete plan in mind. Often implies the '轮廓' is already clear internally.
对于这个项目,他早已胸有成竹,轮廓清晰。
Common— With just a few strokes. Often used to describe sketching a '轮廓'.
画家寥寥数笔,就勾勒出了老人的轮廓。
Literary— To appear vividly on paper. Used when an outline becomes a vivid image.
他画的轮廓让这只老虎跃然纸上。
Literary— Faintly visible. Common when describing a distant '轮廓'.
远处的灯塔轮廓隐约可见。
Common— Changed beyond recognition. Implies the original '轮廓' is gone.
那场大火后,建筑的轮廓已经面目全非。
Common— Seemingly ready to come out. Used when an outline is so vivid it looks real.
画中人的轮廓呼之欲出,栩栩如生。
LiterarySummary
The word 轮廓 (lúnkuò) is essential for describing both the physical boundaries of what we see and the conceptual frameworks of what we plan. For example, '山的轮廓' (the mountain's outline) and '计划的轮廓' (the outline of a plan) demonstrate its versatility across visual and abstract domains.
- 轮廓 refers to the outer line or silhouette of a physical object or person.
- It is commonly used in art to describe an initial sketch or profile.
- Metaphorically, it describes the general framework or rough draft of a plan.
- Commonly paired with adjectives like 'clear' (清晰) or 'blurred' (模糊).
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一下儿
A1Significa 'um pouco' ou 'um momento', usado após um verbo para tornar o tom mais polido.
点儿
A1Um pouco ou uma pequena quantidade. Usado após verbos para significar 'um pouco de' e após adjetivos para comparação.
有点儿
A1um pouco (conotação negativa)
一下
A2Um pouco; um momento (usado após um verbo para suavizar o tom).
一点儿
A1Um pouco; uma pequena quantidade.
一会儿
A1Um momento, um pouco.
一部分
B1Uma parte; uma porção; uma minoria.
异样
B1Algo incomum ou diferente do normal.
关于
A1Preposição que significa 'sobre' ou 'a respeito de'. É usada para introduzir um tópico ou definir o assunto de um livro ou conversa.
快要
A2O trem está prestes a chegar à estação. Está prestes a chover, leve um guarda-chuva.