Chinese word

象征

Pronunciation

Pinyinxiàng zhēng

Meaning

  • verbsymbolize

Example

白鸽象征和平。bái gē xiàng zhēng hé píng

White doves symbolize peace.

Illustration for 象征 (symbolize)

More examples

这座雕像象征民族的团结。zhè zuò diāo xiàng xiàng zhēng mín zú de tuán jié

This statue symbolizes national unity.

Core concept

Something visible serves as a sign for an abstract thought, belief, or ideal.

Common phrases

  • 象征和平xiàng zhēng hé píng

    symbolize peace

  • 象征权力xiàng zhēng quán lì

    symbolize power

  • 象征胜利xiàng zhēng shèng lì

    symbolize victory

Similar words

代表dài biǎo: Convey the position or opinion of a group or organization on its behalf.
表现biǎo xiàn: Reveal a feeling or personal quality through behavior, speech, or appearance.
表示biǎo shì: Make a meaning or attitude clear through language, signs, or movements.

Definition in Chinese

用某种具体事物来表示、暗示或代表一种抽象的意义、观念或价值。yòng móu zhǒng jù tǐ shì wù lái biǎo shì àn shì huò dài biǎo yì zhǒng chōu xiàng de yì yì guān niàn huò jià zhí

Word origin

The word 象征 (xiàngzhēng, "to symbolize") is formed from 象 (xiàng, "image") + 征 (zhēng, "sign"), so its structure links an image to a sign pointing toward an abstract idea.

Usage tips

  • This word fits public language about shared values, so it often appears with ideas such as peace, unity, or freedom rather than with a single person's private feeling.

Other meanings

  • symbolnoun

Related words

  • 象征性xiàng zhēng xìngsymbolic qualitynoun
  • 象征物xiàng zhēng wùsymbolnoun
  • 象征主义xiàng zhēng zhǔ yìsymbolismnoun

Word lists with this word