When learning Chinese, one of the first things you might want to know is how to describe someone’s appearance. In Mandarin, the most common word for \”appearance\” or \”looks\” is 长相 (zhǎngxiàng). This term is a combination of two characters: 长 (zhǎng), which can mean \”long\” or \”growth,\” and 相 (xiàng), meaning \”appearance\” or \”mutual.\” Together, they paint a picture of how someone presents themselves visually.
But wait—there’s more! If you want to sound even more natural, you can use 样子 (yàngzi), which is a bit more casual and often used in everyday conversation. For example, you might hear someone say, \”他的样子很帅\” (Tā de yàngzi hěn shuài)—\”He looks very handsome.\
Now, how do you actually remember these words without getting tangled up in tones? Here’s a fun trick: imagine 长相 (zhǎngxiàng) as someone \”growing\” (长) into their \”looks\” (相). As for 样子 (yàngzi), think of it as the \”yang\” (样) of someone’s appearance—bright and distinctive!
Learning Chinese doesn’t have to be a chore. Try describing your friends’ 长相 in your next language exchange, or even play a game where you guess someone’s 样子 based on a photo. The more you use these words, the more they’ll stick. And who knows? Maybe soon, you’ll be the one teaching others how to say \”appearance\” in Chinese!