Meaning and Usage
"木偶" literally means a puppet or a wooden doll. It primarily refers to figures made of wood used in puppet shows or as toys. Beyond the literal meaning, it is often used metaphorically to describe a person who is controlled by others without autonomy.
Common Collocations
- 木偶戏 (mù’ǒu xì): puppet theater, a traditional Chinese art form.
- 木偶表演 (mù’ǒu biǎoyǎn): puppet performance.
- 像木偶一样 (xiàng mù’ǒu yíyàng): like a puppet, used to describe someone being manipulated.
Usage Notes
When used literally, "木偶" is a neutral term describing a physical object. When used metaphorically, it often carries a negative connotation implying lack of independence or free will. It is common in both formal and informal contexts. Avoid confusing "木偶" with "偶像" (idol), which refers to a person admired or worshiped.
Summary
"木偶" is a useful word to describe traditional puppets and to express the idea of being controlled or manipulated. It appears frequently in cultural contexts and figurative speech.