Definitions

xíng (noun) shape; form
xíng (verb) appear; take shape

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

About

The character "形" originally depicted the patterns or decorative lines engraved on a vessel, with its structure combining "开" (representing the vessel's form) and "彡" (indicating decorative patterns or lines). This early association with patterned appearance led to its core meaning of "form", "shape", or "appearance". Over time, the conceptual focus shifted from specific decorative patterns to the general concept of physical form or visible configuration itself. The traditional form remains "形", and its structural components have been consistent in this standard iteration, with "彡" continuing to provide a semantic link to visual manifestation. The character's meaning extended from concrete shape to more abstract concepts like "situation" or "entity", but its fundamental association with form has remained central.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Cao Wei (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

云的状像动物。

Yún de xíngzhuàng xiàng dòngwù.

The shape of clouds resembles animals.

这种式很常见。

Zhè zhǒng xíngshì hěn chángjiàn.

This form is very common.

他的象很好。

Tā de xíngxiàng hěn hǎo.

His image is very good.

雨滴成于云中。

Yǔdī xíngchéng yú yún zhōng.

Raindrops form in clouds.

很难容她的美丽。

Hěn nán xíngróng tā de měilì.

It's hard to describe her beauty.

高温使塑料变

Gāowēn shǐ sùliào xíngbiàn.

High temperature causes plastic to deform.

这个图很复杂。

Zhège túxíng hěn fùzá.

This graphic is very complex.

复杂的地影响了军队的行动。

Fùzá de dìxíng yǐngxiǎng le jūnduì de xíngdòng.

Complex terrain affected the army's movement.