ǒuxiàng: 偶像 - Idol, Icon, Model

• Keywords: 偶像, ouxiang, Chinese idol, C-pop idol, fan culture China, worship, role model, celebrity in Chinese, K-pop in China, 追星 (zhuīxīng), idol drama, Chinese celebrity
• Summary: Learn the meaning of 偶像 (ǒuxiàng), the Chinese word for “idol.” This comprehensive guide explores its dual meaning, from traditional religious icons to modern C-pop and K-pop celebrities. Understand how Chinese fan culture (追星) and the concept of a “role model” give 偶像 a unique cultural weight in China, different from the Western idea of a celebrity. This entry is perfect for learners wanting to understand modern Chinese pop culture.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): ǒuxiàng
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: An idol, icon, or model, referring to a person or object of extreme admiration or worship.
• In a Nutshell: 偶像 (ǒuxiàng) is the Chinese word for “idol.” It originally referred to physical statues in temples meant for worship. In modern Chinese, its most common meaning is a celebrity—a singer, actor, or internet personality—who is intensely admired by fans. The term carries a strong implication that the person is not just famous, but also a role model whose personal life and moral character are held to a very high standard.

• 偶 (ǒu): This character can mean “pair” or “accidental,” but its older meaning is a “human figure” or “puppet.” Think of a small, carved human effigy.
• 像 (xiàng): This character means “image,” “likeness,” or “to resemble.” It's the same character used in words like “portrait” (画像, huàxiàng) or “to seem” (好像, hǎoxiàng).

When combined, 偶像 (ǒuxiàng) literally means an “image of a human figure.” This perfectly describes its original meaning: a statue or icon made in the likeness of a deity for worship. This historical meaning of a worshiped figure now applies to modern celebrities who are “worshiped” by their fans.

Historically, an 偶像 was a physical object of worship, like a Buddha statue in a temple. This religious root is key to understanding its modern power. The act of admiring an 偶像 is often described with the word 崇拜 (chóngbài), which means “to worship.” In contemporary China, the term has been almost completely co-opted by pop culture. An 偶像 is a celebrity, usually young and attractive, with a massive and highly organized fanbase. However, the cultural expectation is different from that in the West.

• Comparison to Western “Idol”: In American or Western culture, a celebrity “idol” is admired for their talent and charisma. While their personal behavior is newsworthy, a scandal doesn't always end their career and can sometimes even add to a “bad boy/girl” image. In China, an 偶像 is held to a much stricter standard. They are expected to be positive 榜样 (bǎngyàng), or role models, for the youth. The government and public expect them to embody positive social values. A major scandal (like tax evasion, a messy breakup, or illegal activity) can lead to them being “cancelled” overnight, with brands dropping them and their work being removed from streaming platforms. This reflects a more collectivist value system where a public figure's behavior is seen as having a direct impact on social harmony and the moral fabric of the nation.

• Pop Culture and Fan Economy: This is the most common context. Fans talk about “my idol” (我的偶像, wǒ de ǒuxiàng), follow their activities in a practice called 追星 (zhuīxīng), or “chasing stars,” and spend significant money supporting them. TV shows starring these celebrities are called 偶像剧 (ǒuxiàngjù), or “idol dramas.”
• As a Role Model: You can use 偶像 for a non-celebrity you deeply admire, though it implies a very high level of reverence. For example, a student might consider a Nobel Prize-winning scientist their 偶像. It's stronger and more passionate than simply calling them a “role model.”
• Formal/Literal Usage: In historical or religious contexts, 偶像 still refers to a statue or religious icon. For example, “destroying religious idols” (摧毁宗教偶像, cuīhuǐ zōngjiào ǒuxiàng).

• Example 1:
  • 我妹妹的偶像是一位有才华的年轻歌手。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ mèimei de ǒuxiàng shì yī wèi yǒucáihuá de niánqīng gēshǒu.
  • English: My younger sister's idol is a talented young singer.
  • Analysis: This is the most common usage, referring to a celebrity idol in pop culture.
• Example 2:
  • 很多人认为，偶像应该为粉丝树立一个好榜样。
  • Pinyin: Hěn duō rén rènwéi, ǒuxiàng yīnggāi wèi fěnsī shùlì yī gè hǎo bǎngyàng.
  • English: Many people believe that idols should set a good example for their fans.
  • Analysis: This sentence highlights the social expectation for an 偶像 to be a 榜样 (bǎngyàng), or role model.
• Example 3:
  • 这部偶像剧一播出就受到了年轻人的欢迎。
  • Pinyin: Zhè bù ǒuxiàngjù yī bōchū jiù shòudào le niánqīngrén de huānyíng.
  • English: This idol drama became popular with young people as soon as it was broadcast.
  • Analysis: Shows how 偶像 is used as a compound word to describe a popular TV genre.
• Example 4:
  • 不要盲目崇拜偶像，要有自己的判断。
  • Pinyin: Bùyào mángmù chóngbài ǒuxiàng, yào yǒu zìjǐ de pànduàn.
  • English: Don't blindly worship idols; you should have your own judgment.
  • Analysis: This sentence uses the word 崇拜 (chóngbài - to worship), often paired with 偶像, and serves as a common piece of advice.
• Example 5:
  • 他是我心目中的偶像，我一直努力向他学习。
  • Pinyin: Tā shì wǒ xīnmù zhōng de ǒuxiàng, wǒ yīzhí nǔlì xiàng tā xuéxí.
  • English: He is the idol in my heart; I am always striving to learn from him.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates a more personal and inspirational use of the word, for someone who isn't necessarily a celebrity.
• Example 6:
  • 成为一名偶像需要付出很多努力和牺牲。
  • Pinyin: Chéngwéi yī míng ǒuxiàng xūyào fùchū hěn duō nǔlì hé xīshēng.
  • English: Becoming an idol requires a lot of hard work and sacrifice.
  • Analysis: Focuses on the career path of being a professional idol.
• Example 7:
  • 那个偶像因为丑闻事业一落千丈，真是“塌房”了。
  • Pinyin: Nàge ǒuxiàng yīnwèi chǒuwén shìyè yīluòqiānzhàng, zhēnshì “tāfáng” le.
  • English: That idol's career plummeted because of a scandal; his “house really collapsed.”
  • Analysis: This sentence includes the very modern slang term 塌房 (tāfáng), which literally means “house collapsed” and is used exclusively to describe an idol's fall from grace.
• Example 8:
  • 在一些文化中，人们会跪拜偶像以示尊敬。
  • Pinyin: Zài yīxiē wénhuà zhōng, rénmen huì guìbài ǒuxiàng yǐ shì zūnjìng.
  • English: In some cultures, people kneel before idols to show respect.
  • Analysis: This shows the original, literal meaning of 偶像 as a religious or cultural statue.
• Example 9:
  • 她不只是我的偶像，更是我的精神支柱。
  • Pinyin: Tā bùzhǐshì wǒ de ǒuxiàng, gèng shì wǒ de jīngshén zhīzhù.
  • English: She is not just my idol, but also my spiritual pillar.
  • Analysis: This sentence expresses the deep, almost spiritual connection a fan can feel towards their 偶像.
• Example 10:
  • 年轻一代更喜欢用“爱豆”来称呼自己的偶像。
  • Pinyin: Niánqīng yī dài gèng xǐhuān yòng “àidòu” lái chēnghu zìjǐ de ǒuxiàng.
  • English: The younger generation prefers to use “aidou” to refer to their idols.
  • Analysis: This introduces the cute, colloquial loanword 爱豆 (àidòu), which comes directly from the English word “idol.”

• 偶像 (ǒuxiàng) vs. 榜样 (bǎngyàng): This is a critical distinction. A 榜样 (bǎngyàng) is a “role model” or “good example.” Your teacher, your boss, or a respected community leader can be your 榜样. An 偶像 (ǒuxiàng) is much more intense. It implies a level of adoration, fandom, and “worship.” Calling your boss your 偶像 would sound overly emotional and a bit strange unless you are truly a “superfan” of them. For general admiration of a non-celebrity, 榜样 is usually the safer and more appropriate word.
  • Correct: 我的老师是我的榜样。(Wǒ de lǎoshī shì wǒ de bǎngyàng.) - My teacher is my role model.
  • Awkward: 我的老师是我的偶像。(Wǒ de lǎoshī shì wǒ de ǒuxiàng.) - My teacher is my idol. (Implies fan-like worship).
• Not Just Any Celebrity: While most 偶像 are celebrities (明星, míngxīng), not all celebrities are considered 偶像. An older, respected character actor might be a famous 明星, but they wouldn't typically be called an 偶像, a term usually reserved for younger stars with active, passionate fanbases.

• 榜样 (bǎngyàng) - A role model; a more general and less intense term for someone to look up to.
• 明星 (míngxīng) - Star, celebrity. A general term. An 偶像 is a specific type of 明星.
• 粉丝 (fěnsī) - “Fans.” A phonetic loanword that is the standard term for fans of any celebrity or team.
• 追星 (zhuīxīng) - Lit. “to chase stars.” The modern term for the act of being an active fan: following news, buying merchandise, attending concerts, etc.
• 偶像剧 (ǒuxiàngjù) - “Idol drama.” A popular television genre starring young, attractive idols in romantic storylines.
• 崇拜 (chóngbài) - To worship, adore. The verb that describes the intense feeling one has for an 偶像.
• 爱豆 (àidòu) - A colloquial, phonetic loanword from English “idol,” used by young fans to sound cuter and more familiar.
• 塌房 (tāfáng) - Lit. “house collapsed.” Extremely popular internet slang for when an idol has a career-destroying scandal. Your “support” for them (the house) has collapsed.
• 人设 (rénshè) - A persona or public image (from “人物设定,” character design). Idols have a carefully crafted 人设 that can collapse during a scandal.