HSK · Level 36
120 words
Chinese word
木偶
Pronunciation
Pinyinmù ǒu
Meaning
- nounpuppet
Example
舞台上有木偶在表演。wǔ tái shàng yǒu mù ǒu zài biáo yǎn
There are puppets performing onstage.
More examples
孩子们在台上看提线木偶表演。hái zi men zài tái shàng kàn tí xiàn mù ǒu biáo yǎn
The children are watching a string-puppet show onstage.
Core concept
A human likeness that acts only through another person's control, from a handled object to a person with no real say in events.
Common phrases
提线木偶tí xiàn mù ǒu
string puppet
木偶戏mù ǒu xì
puppet show
操纵木偶cāo zòng mù ǒu
manipulate puppets
Similar words
傀儡kuí lěi: A person or organization controlled by outside forces and lacking independent will.
玩偶wán ǒu: A doll or stuffed toy made for children to play with.
布偶bù ǒu: A cloth doll often moved by placing a hand inside.
Definition in Chinese
用木头制成、供表演或把玩而由人操纵的人形；口语中亦可泛指被他人操控的傀儡式人物。yòng mù tou zhì chéng gōng biáo yǎn huò bǎ wán ér yóu rén cāo zòng de rén xíng kóu yǔ zhōng yì kě fàn zhǐ bèi tā rén cāo kòng de kuí lěi shì rén wù
Word origin
The compound 木 (mù, "wood") + 偶 (ǒu, "figure") originally points to a wooden human image, while its central idea also applies to someone acting under another person's direction.
Usage tips
- When the word describes a person, it usually carries criticism because it suggests obedience and a lack of independent judgment, not merely a public position.
Other meanings
- dollnoun
- figureheadnoun
Opposites
- 真人zhēn rénreal personnoun
Related words
- 木偶戏mù ǒu xìpuppet shownoun
- 木偶匠mù ǒu jiàngpuppeteernoun