姿色 (zī sè) — (of a woman) good looks, physical attractiveness | TongTong Chinese Dictionary

Definition

A somewhat formal noun for a woman's physical attractiveness — neutral in tone, often used to evaluate appearance (e.g. 姿色平庸 'plain-looking').

noun

(of a woman) good looksphysical attractiveness

Examples

姿色，。
Tā bù jǐn yǒu zī sè, xīn dì yě hěn shàn liáng.
She not only has good looks but also a kind heart.
姿色。
Zhè ge yǎn yuán de zī sè lìng rén yìn xiàng shēn kè.
This actress's good looks are impressive.
姿色，。
Tā suī rán zī sè píng yōng, què hěn yǒu cái huá.
Although her looks are average, she is very talented.

Origin

Compound word

构词法gòucífǎ

联合liánhéCoordinate

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

姿zīappearance

姿 and 色 both point to a woman's appearance, so together they mean good looks.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

次女姿

Meaning part形符xíngfú

女女nǚwoman

Sound part声符shēngfú

次

次cì姿zī

Close in sound todayThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

姿 pairs 女, meaning woman, with 次, which gives the sound.

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

爪爪zhuǎclaw; hand
卩卩jiékneeling person

色 pairs 爪 (a hand) with 卩 (a kneeling person), showing a hand pressing down on the kneeling person.

Appears in

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