Chinese word

人物

Pronunciation

Pinyinrén wù

Meaning

  • nounperson

Example

他是个重要的人物。tā shì gè zhòng yào de rén wù

He is an important person.

Illustration for 人物 (person)

More examples

这位历史人物的事迹影响了很多人。zhè wèi lì shǐ rén wù de shì jì yíng xiǎng le hěn duō rén

The achievements of this historical figure influenced many people.

Core concept

A distinct human presence defined by identity, role, or influence, whether in a story or in public life.

Common phrases

  • 重要人物zhòng yào rén wù

    important person

  • 历史人物lì shǐ rén wù

    historical figure

  • 著名人物zhù míng rén wù

    famous person

Similar words

人rén: A person, in the most basic and general sense.
个人gè rén: An individual considered as a separate person, especially in personal or private matters.
人士rén shì: A person belonging to a particular field, group, or social position, in a somewhat formal style.
角色jué sè: A character in a story or play, or a person fulfilling a role in a particular situation.

Definition in Chinese

指具有特定身份、性格或作用的个人，既可指文学作品中的角色，也可指社会上有影响或地位的人。zhǐ jù yǒu tè dìng shēn fèn xìng gé huò zuò yòng de gè rén jì kě zhǐ wén xué zuò pǐn zhōng de jué sè yě kě zhǐ shè huì shàng yǒu yíng xiǎng huò dì wèi de rén

Word origin

人物 (rénwù, "person/figure") is formed from 人 (rén, "person") and 物 (wù, "thing/entity"), treating a person as a distinct figure with a recognizable role or identity.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, this noun carries more focus than a plain reference to someone, so it suits cases where a person's role, reputation, or place in a story matters.

Other meanings

  • characternoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 人物画rén wù huàportrait paintingnoun

Word lists with this word