写意

寫意

xiěyì

noun #41,232

Meanings

1 freehand / xieyi style of Chinese painting (bold strokes suggesting spirit over detail)
2 to evoke rather than depict
3 comfortable, leisurely

Characters

to write / to depict

idea / spirit / intent

Examples

HSK 7-9

齐白石的虾是典型的写意风格。

Qí Báishí de xiā shì diǎnxíng de xiěyì fēnggé.

Qi Baishi's shrimp are a classic example of xieyi style.

HSK 7-9

写意画讲究神似而非形似。

Xiěyìhuà jiǎngjiu shénsì érfēi xíngsì.

Xieyi painting values spiritual likeness over literal likeness.

Tips

culture

写意 (freehand, impressionistic) contrasts with 工笔 - a meticulous outline-and-color style with fine brushwork and rich detail. Xieyi prizes 气韵 (spirit resonance) and 留白 (empty space), sometimes capturing an animal in just a few strokes. Masters: 徐渭, 朱耷 (八大山人), 齐白石, 吴昌硕.

usage

Note two pronunciations: xiěyì for the art-historical meaning above; xièyì for the colloquial 'relaxed, comfortable' sense (日子过得很写意 'life is pleasant').

Stroke Order

写 xiě

意 yì