Acorn or oak fruit.
Shape, style, model, sample, appearance, or manner. Wood (木) carved into the shape of a sheep (羊) as a visual model.
样
Common Usage & Traps
- 怎么样 — how about / how is it
- 一样 — same / alike
- 这样 — this way / like this
- 那样 — that way / like that
- 样子 — appearance / look
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一样和和...一样Learners may place 一样 before 和, but the correct structure is 和...一样 (A 和 B 一样).
What is the difference between 样 and 像?
样 means 'appearance' or 'kind', while 像 means 'to resemble' or 'like'.
样 (yàng) is a noun that refers to appearance, shape, or kind, and is often used in fixed phrases like 怎么样 (how about) or 一样 (same). 像 (xiàng) is a verb or bridge word meaning 'to be like' or 'to resemble', used to compare two things. They are not interchangeable.
| Dimension | 样 | 像 |
|---|---|---|
| Part of speech | Noun | Verb / bridge word |
| Meaning | Appearance, kind, way | To resemble, like |
| Example | 他怎么样？ (How is he?) | 他像他爸爸。 (He looks like his dad.) |
Can 样 be used alone as a standalone word?
No, 样 is almost always bound and appears in compounds or fixed phrases.
In modern Mandarin, 样 is rarely used as a standalone noun. It typically appears in set phrases like 怎么样, 一样, 这样, 那样, or in the noun 样子. Using it alone would sound unnatural.
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Usage | In compounds (怎么样, 一样) | Standalone (e.g., 这个样) |
| Example | 你怎么样？ (How are you?) | 这个样 (unnatural) |
Appears in Stories 6 stories
In this funny HSK 2 story, a boy asks his father for money every day. When his father tries to teach him a lesson, the boy's clever reply will make you laugh.
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这样子 好吗？
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哪个大孩子会 这样 做呢？
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这样子 是很不好。
Why would a millionaire leave a table of lobster and wagyu untouched? This story explores the hidden rules of business dining and the true cost of staying alert.
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他问我：“你们这行 怎么样 ？”
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结果第二天对方笑着砍了他五个点的价，一边还看着他眼睛说，看你昨天吃东西的 样子 就知道你这人没坏心眼，肯定没跟我们要高价，就便宜百分之五吧。
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他说你看，永远都是 这样 ，永远事儿都是不断。
Think instant noodles are unhealthy? This HSK 6 article challenges common myths and reveals surprising facts about nutrition, oil, and salt in this convenient food.
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对方便面，很多人都有 各种各样 的消极的印象，比如没有营养、有毒，油、盐含量高等等。
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看一下“人体所需营养”目录，就明白一个人最好每天吃10到30种以上的食物， 这样 才能得到 各种各样 的营养。
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这样 看来，方便面所含的营养成分甚至还高于中国人最爱的馒头、米饭、面包之类的主食。
Discover how a simple letter from a cookie seller led to an unexpected friendship with a famous scholar. This heartwarming story explores kindness and connection across social divides.
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我只能说，你说的英国制度和美国制度其实没有什么 不一样 。
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你信上说的那个”杜鲁门没有带走一个人”的故事，也正和邱吉尔在一九四五年离开唐宁街十号时没有带走一个人，是 一样的 。
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他的一个朋友拿了一块饼干送到他的病房，跟他开玩笑：“我给你吃 一样 东西。
This short, simple story follows a shopper's trip to the supermarket to buy apples. You'll learn useful vocabulary for shopping, prices, and comparing things.
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我问超市的人小苹果 怎么样 ？
Follow Xiao Li as he copes with the effects of forest fires near his home in the US and reflects on environmental changes. A thoughtful story for HSK 4 learners.
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他给爸爸妈妈打了个电话，问他们那边 怎么样 。
Questions & Discussion 0 questions
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