noun HSK 5
silhouette · figure · shadow of a person
Meaning
身影 refers to the outline or silhouette of a person's body, often seen from a distance or in shadow. It evokes a visual image of someone's form or presence, frequently used in literary or emotional contexts to describe memories, departures, or fleeting glimpses of people.
Usage
This word is commonly used in written and poetic language to create vivid imagery. It often carries a nostalgic or melancholic tone when describing someone's departing or distant figure. Native speakers use it to describe both literal shadows and metaphorical traces of a person's presence.
Examples
- 01我看见一个熟悉的身影在人群中消失了。.I saw a familiar figure disappear into the crowd.
- 02夕阳下，她的身影显得格外孤独。, .Under the setting sun, her silhouette appeared especially lonely.
Characters
Measure words
- 个一个身影
- 道一道身影
Common collocations
- 孤独的身影lonely figure
- 模糊的身影blurry figure
- 消失的身影disappearing figure
- 熟悉的身影familiar figure
Origin
The word combines 身 (body) and 影 (shadow/image) to literally mean 'body shadow,' referring to the visible outline or silhouette of a person.