Meaning
雕琢 originally referred to the process of carving jade or stone and then polishing it to perfection. It has extended to mean refining or perfecting any work, especially in writing, art, or craftsmanship. The term emphasizes meticulous attention to detail and repeated improvement.
Usage
雕琢 is commonly used in literary or formal contexts to describe the careful refinement of writing, art, or skills. It carries a positive connotation of dedication and craftsmanship. Writers often use it metaphorically: 雕琢文字 (polish one's writing). Less commonly used in everyday casual conversation.
Examples
- 01他花了三年时间雕琢这部小说。.He spent three years polishing this novel.
- 02这座雕像经过工匠们精心雕琢，栩栩如生。, .This statue was carefully sculpted by craftsmen and looks lifelike.
Characters
Common collocations
- 雕琢文字to polish one's writing
- 精心雕琢to carefully refine
- 反复雕琢to polish repeatedly
- 不加雕琢unpolished, in natural state
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters relate to working with hard materials: 雕 means carving and 琢 specifically refers to polishing jade. Together they form a classical phrase describing the complete process of creating refined jade objects, which became a metaphor for perfecting any creative work.