象征

象徵

xiàngzhēng

verb HSK 5 #4,558

Meanings

1 symbol; emblem; token
2 to symbolize; to signify

Characters

elephant; image; appearance

sign; evidence; to summon

An image that serves as a sign — a symbol.

Examples

红色在中国象征着幸运。

Hóngsè zài Zhōngguó xiàngzhēng zhe xìngyùn.

Red symbolizes good luck in China.

和平鸽是和平的象征。

Hépíng gē shì hépíng de xiàngzhēng.

The peace dove is a symbol of peace.

长城象征着中华民族的精神。

Chángchéng xiàngzhēng zhe Zhōnghuá mínzú de jīngshén.

The Great Wall symbolizes the spirit of the Chinese nation.

这个标志象征什么？

Zhège biāozhì xiàngzhēng shénme?

What does this symbol represent?

Tips

usage

象征 can be both a noun ('a symbol') and a verb ('to symbolize'). As a verb, it often takes 着: 象征着... (symbolizes...). As a noun: ...的象征 (a symbol of...).

culture

Key Chinese symbols: 龙 (dragon) symbolizes power and the emperor, 凤凰 (phoenix) symbolizes the empress and beauty, 红色 (red) symbolizes luck and celebration, 数字八 (number 8) symbolizes wealth.

Stroke Order

象 xiàng

征 zhēng