Meaning and Usage
"雕刻" primarily means "to carve" or "to engrave," referring to the act of shaping materials like wood, stone, or metal by cutting or chiseling. It is often used in artistic contexts, describing the creation of sculptures or detailed designs.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see "雕刻" used when talking about traditional arts, crafts, or historical artifacts. It can describe both the process and the finished product, such as "石雕刻" (stone carving) or "木雕刻" (wood carving).
Collocations and Patterns
- 雕刻艺术: carving art, emphasizing the artistic aspect.
- 雕刻时间: literally "carving time," used metaphorically to mean spending time carefully crafting something.
- 雕刻细节: carving details, focusing on precision and intricacy.
Usage Notes
When using "雕刻," the focus is on the physical act of carving or engraving. It differs from "刻画," which can also mean to depict or portray in a broader sense. "雕刻" is more concrete and tactile.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse "雕刻" with "刻" alone, which can mean "to cut" or "to engrave" but also refers to a quarter of an hour in time expressions. "雕刻" specifically emphasizes the artistic carving process.