标志性的
biāozhìxìng de
The English word 'iconic' can be translated into Mandarin as 标志性的 (biāozhìxìng de).
标志性的 is used to describe something as symbolic or representative. If you are referring specifically to a classic or iconic masterpiece, you might instead use the term 经典.
Meaning: representative of its type (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of 标志 (biāozhì), meaning 'sign' or 'landmark' and 性 (xìng), a suffix used to turn a noun into an abstract property or '-ness'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle 的 is added to the end of the adjective 标志性 to allow it to function as an attributive modifier before a noun.
How do you pronounce it?
biāozhìxìng de
Did you know?
- In modern internet slang, instead of using the formal 标志性的, young people might use 神 (shén), meaning 'god', to describe an iconic or legendary moment.
- The word 经典 (jīngdiǎn), used for iconic masterpieces, literally means 'classic scripture' and originally referred specifically to sacred texts like the Confucian classics.
- The component 标 (biāo) in 标志 originally referred to a mark made on a tree to denote boundaries or ownership.
Examples in context
- 这幅画是中国艺术的经典之作。This painting is an iconic masterpiece of Chinese art.
- 标志性的建筑Iconic building
- 这是标志性的建筑。Zhè shì biāozhìxìng de jiànzhù.This is an iconic building.
- 她穿了一身标志性的红裙子。Tā chuānle yīshēn biāozhìxìng de hóng qúnzi.She wore an iconic red dress.
Example conversation
Two friends are visiting a famous museum.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen看，那就是这里标志性的雕塑！Kàn, nà jiùshì zhèlǐ biāozhìxìng de diāosù!Look, that is the iconic sculpture here!
- 志强 Zhiqiang确实，它在照片里很有名。Quèshí, tā zài zhàopiàn lǐ hěn yǒumíng.Indeed, it is very famous in photos.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen志强，我们快去拍张照吧。Zhìqiáng, wǒmen kuài qù pāi zhāng zhào ba.Zhiqiang, let's go take a photo quickly.
- 志强 Zhiqiang好，走吧，晓雯。Hǎo, zǒu ba, Xiǎowén.Okay, let's go, Xiaowen.
