图案
tu'an
The English word 'pattern' can be translated into Chinese as 图案 (tu'an).
图案 is used to refer to an intelligible arrangement that has a mathematical, geometric or statistical relationship, specifically when describing a visual design or motif.
Meaning: intelligible arrangement which has a mathematical, geometric, statistical etc. relationship (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 图案 is composed of 图 (tú), meaning 'picture' or 'drawing' and 案 (àn), meaning 'design' or 'plan'.
Which one should you use?
While 图案 refers to visual or geometric patterns, the term 模式 is used for abstract patterns such as behavioral patterns or mathematical models.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Taiwan, the term 圖樣 is commonly used to refer to patterns.
How do you pronounce it?
tu'an
Did you know?
- In traditional Chinese culture, certain 图案 such as the peony or the dragon are not just decorations but act as visual puns for wealth and power.
- The character 图 in 图案 was originally a pictograph of a map or a plan. In ancient China, drawing a 'pattern' was often synonymous with sketching a territory.
- When describing a 'pattern' in a sequence of numbers or a logical trend, Chinese speakers often use 规律 (guīlǜ). This emphasizes the 'law' or 'rule' governing the pattern rather than just its visual appearance.
Examples in context
- 墨汁用作染料时会产生有趣的图案。India ink produces an interesting pattern when used as a dye.This sentence shows how 图案 can be used when discussing the visual effects of dyes.Tatoeba #10201155 by slo_oth, translation #322032 by CM
- 这条裙子上的花样很漂亮The pattern on this skirt is beautiful.
- 这个图案非常精美This pattern is very exquisite.
- 这个模式可用于数据分析This pattern can be used for data analysis.
- 这块地毯的花纹很有特色The pattern on this carpet is very unique.
- 这个木头上的纹路很美观The pattern on this piece of wood is beautiful.
- 這張布的圖樣很有創意The pattern on this fabric is very creative.
- 呢件衫嘅圖紋好特別The pattern on this shirt is very unique.
- 这件衬衫上有漂亮的几何图案。Zhè jiàn chènshān shàng yǒu piàoliang de jǐhé tú'àn.This shirt has beautiful geometric patterns on it.
- 这张地毯的图案非常复杂。Zhè zhāng dìtǎn de tú'àn fēicháng fùzá.The pattern on this rug is very complex.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a piece of fabric in a shop.
- 志强 Zhiqiang你看，这块布料的图案很特别。Nǐ kàn, zhè kuài bùliào de tú'àn hěn tèbié.Look, the pattern on this fabric is very special.
- 梓涵 Zihan确实，它的数学美感很强。Quèshí, tā de shùxué měigǎn hěn qiáng.Indeed, its mathematical beauty is very strong.
- 志强 Zhiqiang梓涵，你觉得这个适合做桌布吗？Zǐhán, nǐ juéde zhège shìhé zuò zhuōbù ma?Zihan, do you think this is suitable to make a tablecloth?
- 梓涵 Zihan我觉得非常合适。Wǒ juéde fēicháng héshì.I think it is very suitable.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
