noun HSK 4
Traditional 體型
xíng
body type · physique · build

Meaning

体型 refers to a person's or animal's overall body shape, build, or physical form. It encompasses aspects like height, weight distribution, muscle tone, and general body structure. The word is commonly used when discussing fitness, health, fashion, or making physical comparisons.

Usage

体型 is a neutral, descriptive term used in both casual and formal contexts. It's frequently used when discussing body image, choosing clothing sizes, fitness goals, or describing someone's physical appearance. Common collocations include 保持体型 (to maintain one's figure) and 改善体型 (to improve one's physique). The term can apply to both humans and animals.

Examples

  1. 01
    她通过健身保持着很好的体型
    tōng guò jiàn shēn bǎo chí zhe hěn hǎo de xíng.
    She maintains a great physique through fitness.
  2. 02
    不同的体型适合不同的服装风格。
    tóng de xíng shì tóng de zhuāng fēng .
    Different body types suit different clothing styles.

Characters

Measure words

  • zhǒng这种体型

Common collocations

  • 保持体型
    bǎo chí xíng
    to maintain one's figure
  • 改善体型
    gǎi shàn xíng
    to improve one's physique
  • 体型匀称
    xíng yún chèn
    well-proportioned build
  • 体型偏胖
    xíng piān pàng
    on the heavy side

Origin

The word combines 体 (body) with 型 (type/form), literally meaning 'body type.' This straightforward compound reflects modern Chinese vocabulary for describing physical characteristics.

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