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勾勒 (gōu lè) — to outline, to delineate

Definition

勾勒 is a verb meaning to sketch or trace an outline — literally or figuratively (e.g. outlining a plan). Distinct from the nouns 轮廓 (a shape's outline) and 大纲/提纲 (an outline/synopsis of a text).

verb
to outlineto delineate

Examples

  • 勾勒。
    Tā xiān yòng qiān bǐ gōu lè chū rén wù de lún kuò.
    He first sketched the outline of the figure with a pencil.
  • 勾勒。
    Zhè fèn bào gào gōu lè le wèi lái wǔ nián de fā zhǎn fāng xiàng.
    This report outlines the direction of development for the next five years.
  • 勾勒。
    Xī yáng gōu lè chū shān cūn níng jìng de lún kuò.
    The setting sun outlined the peaceful silhouette of the mountain village.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéCoordinate

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

勾gōudraw
勒lètrace

The ideas of drawing and tracing combine to outline a contour.

Characters in this word

No reliable origin is recorded for this character.

Open 勾 →

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

Meaning part形符xíngfú
革革gé
Sound part声符shēngfú
力
力lì勒lè
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

勒 pairs 革 (leather), because bridles are made of leather, with 力, which gives the sound.

Open 勒 →
Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 7-9Art & Fine ArtsReading & Writing

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