Definitions

miáo (verb) to trace; to copy
miáo (verb) to depict; to describe
miáo (verb) to touch up

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 描 is structured with a hand radical on the left and the component 苗 on the right, indicating its original association with manual acts of tracing or copying in artistic practice. Etymologically, the phonetic element 苗 suggests its pronunciation while the semantic radical ties it to actions performed by hand. Initially denoting the physical process of outlining images, its application gradually extended to include metaphorical depiction in writing, such as describing scenes or characters in literature. This expansion in usage reflects a shift from concrete to abstract representation without altering the character's fundamental composition.

Example Sentences Hide

写风景。

Tā miáoxiě fēngjǐng.

He describes the scenery.

画家绘了日出。

Huàjiā miáohuì le rìchū.

The painter depicted the sunrise.

摹这个图案。

Qǐng miáomó zhège tú'àn.

Please trace this pattern.

她素画得很好。

Tā sùmiáo huà dé hěn hǎo.

She is good at sketching.

这段文字写得很生动。

Zhè duàn wénzì miáoxiě dé hěn shēngdòng.

This passage is described very vividly.

这部小说绘了社会的变迁。

Zhè bù xiǎoshuō miáohuì le shèhuì de biànqiān.

This novel depicts the changes in society.

他用细腻的笔触摹人物心理。

Tā yòng xìnì de bǐchù miáomó rénwù xīnlǐ.

He portrays the characters' psychology with delicate brushstrokes.

艺术家试图摹出内心深处的情感波澜。

Yìshùjiā shìtú miáomó chū nèixīn shēnchù de qínggǎn bōlán.

The artist attempts to trace the emotional waves deep within the heart.