偶像
ǒu xiàng HSK 6

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

他是很多年轻人的偶像。
Tā shì hěnduō niánqīng rén de ǒuxiàng.
He is an idol for many young people.
她崇拜那位电影偶像。
Tā chóngbài nà wèi diànyǐng ǒuxiàng.
She worships that movie idol.
偶像的影响力很大。
Ǒuxiàng de yǐngxiǎnglì hěn dà.
Idols have great influence.
他是我的偶像。
Tā shì wǒ de ǒuxiàng.
He is my idol.
我喜欢这个偶像。
Wǒ xǐhuān zhège ǒuxiàng.
I like this idol.

💡 Memory Tip

Break down 偶像 into 偶 (ǒu - by chance, pair) and 像 (xiàng - image), thinking of an idol as an 'image you pair with' or admire by chance encounter, like seeing a celebrity.

📝 Usage Notes

Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, such as media discussions, fan culture, or personal conversations. It often appears in phrases like '我的偶像' (wǒ de ǒu xiàng - my idol) to express personal admiration. The word is neutral but carries positive connotations of respect and aspiration.

📖 Grammar Points

Typically used as a noun, often modified by possessives (e.g., 他的偶像, tā de ǒu xiàng - his idol). Can function as an attributive in compounds like 偶像剧 (ǒu xiàng jù - idol drama). In sentences, it serves as a subject or object, as in '偶像很受欢迎' (ǒu xiàng hěn shòu huān yíng - idols are very popular).

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, 偶像 reflects the influence of pop culture, especially from East Asian entertainment industries, where idol fandom is a significant social phenomenon. It highlights the blend of traditional respect for figures with modern celebrity worship.

🔄 Similar Words

Compared to 榜样 (bǎng yàng - role model), which emphasizes moral or behavioral guidance, 偶像 focuses more on admiration and popularity, often in entertainment. Compared to 明星 (míng xīng - star), 偶像 implies a deeper emotional connection and idealization.

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