Definition
塑造 means 'to mold, shape, or portray' and is the only verb among the siblings that works for both physical molding (clay, plastic) AND figurative creation (a character, image, market). 造型 focuses on the resulting form or style, 描绘/描写 on verbal/pictorial description, and 捏 on finger-molding small objects. Use 塑造 when the result is a shaped entity or developed image.
verb
to moldto shape (physically)(fig.) to createto develop (an image, character, market, etc.)to portray (in literature)
Examples
- 塑造。Tā yòng niántǔ sù zào le yí gè rénxiàng.He molded a human figure out of clay.
- 塑造。Zhè bù xiǎoshuō sù zào le yí gè yǒnggǎn de zhǔréngōng.This novel portrays a brave protagonist.
- 塑造。Liánghǎo de jiàoyù kěyǐ sù zào yí gè rén de pǐngé.A good education can shape a person's character.
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