Definition
形体 covers three main areas that don't overlap much in English. First, it can refer to the human physique or physical body (body shape, posture). Second, it's used for the form and structure of Chinese characters (the way strokes combine into a character shape). Third, in scientific contexts it describes the physical state or composition of matter (solid, liquid, etc.). Context tells you which sense is intended, so pay attention to the surrounding words.
noun
physiquethe human body (shape and form)form and structure (of Chinese characters or scripts)physical state or composition (solid, liquid, etc.)
Examples
- ,形体。Tā jiānchí duànliàn, xíng tǐ bǎochí de hěn hǎo.She exercises regularly and keeps her physique in good shape.
- 形体。Hànzì xíng tǐ yóu bǐhuà hé jiégòu zǔchéng.The form of Chinese characters consists of strokes and structure.
- 形体。Shuǐ zài líng dù yǐxià xíng tǐ biàn chéng gùtài.Below zero degrees, water's physical state changes to a solid.
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