Meaning
刻板 literally means 'engraved board' and refers to something that is fixed, unchanging, and lacking flexibility. It describes attitudes, behaviors, or impressions that are rigid and formulaic, like an old printing block that produces the same image repeatedly. Most commonly used to describe stereotypical thinking or people who are set in their ways.
Usage
刻板 is frequently used in the compound 刻板印象 (kèbǎn yìnxiàng, 'stereotype') to describe fixed mental images about groups of people. It carries a negative connotation, suggesting lack of adaptability or creativity. When describing people, it implies they are overly rigid or conventional in their thinking or behavior.
Examples
- 01我们不应该对别人有刻板印象。.We should not have stereotypes about other people.
- 02他的思维方式太刻板了，缺乏创新精神。, .His way of thinking is too rigid and lacks innovative spirit.
Characters
Measure words
- 种一种刻板印象
Common collocations
- 刻板印象stereotype
- 刻板的观念rigid concept/notion
- 思想刻板rigid thinking
- 性格刻板inflexible personality
Antonyms
Origin
Originally referred to engraved wooden printing blocks used in traditional Chinese printing. The literal meaning of 'carved board' evolved metaphorically to describe anything fixed and unchanging, just as a printing block produces identical copies.