描写

びょうしゃ

depiction, description, portrayal

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Usage of 描写 (miáoxiě)

描写 means 'to describe' or 'to depict' and is often used in literary or artistic contexts. It emphasizes detailed and vivid description, whether of scenes, emotions, or events.

Common contexts

  • In literature, 描写 refers to the detailed portrayal of characters' feelings or settings.
  • In art, it can mean depicting a scene or object visually.
  • In journalism or reports, it describes the narration of events or processes.

Collocations and patterns

  • 详细描写 (xiángxì miáoxiě): detailed description, used when emphasizing thoroughness.
  • 描写人物 (miáoxiě rénwù): describe a character, common in storytelling.
  • 描写 (miáoxiě chǎngjǐng): depict a scene, often in writing or painting.

Notes

描写 is more formal and literary than just or . It implies careful, often artistic description. Avoid confusing it with (to write), which is more general. 描写 always involves some form of depiction or portrayal, not just writing down facts.

Example Sentences

This novel describes the protagonist's inner world in detail.

The painter depicted the beautiful autumn scenery with colors.

The news report described the process of the accident.