英俊 (yīng jùn) — handsome

Definition

Formal, written-style word for a 'handsome' man — stronger and more literary than the everyday 帅. Typically used for adult men, especially in writing or formal speech.

adjective
handsome

Examples

  • 英俊
    Zhè wèi yīng jùn de jūn guān lái zì běi jīng.
    This handsome officer comes from Beijing.
  • 英俊
    yīng jùn Shì zhè ge yǎn yuán de tè diǎn.
    Handsomeness is a trait of this actor.
  • 英俊
    Tā nán péng you cháng dé fēi cháng yīng jùn.
    Her boyfriend is very handsome.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéCoordinate

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

yīngoutstanding
jùnhandsome

英 and 俊 both point to outstanding, handsome qualities, so together they describe a good-looking person.

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.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
Written in full ascǎograss
Sound part声符shēngfú
yāngyīng
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

英 pairs 艹 (grass) with 央, which gives the sound.

Open 英 →

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
Written in full asrénperson
Sound part声符shēngfú
qūnjùn
Close in sound todayThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

俊 pairs 人 (person) with 夋, which gives the sound; the person part shows it relates to a person.

Open 俊 →

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