Comparing "meili" and "piaoliang"
美丽 (měilì) and 漂亮 (piàoliang) both are adjectives that mean "beautiful." 美丽 is used in more formal contexts, whereas 漂亮 is used in informal contexts. While both words can be used interchangeably to praise a woman or girl’s physical appearance, a key difference between these two is that 美丽 is more "classically beautiful," and is also often used to describe abstract thoughts or ideas, whereas 漂亮, more like "pretty," can also be used to describe concrete actions or movements (in sports, a performance, a speech, etc.).
| 美丽 (měilì) | 漂亮 (piàoliang) | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | beautiful, elegant | pretty, good-looking |
| Part of Speech | adjective | adjective |
| Formality | formal | informal |
Contents
Use both 美丽 and 漂亮 to praise physical appearance
When used as such 美丽 and 漂亮 portray different meaning：美丽 meaning elegant and 漂亮 meaning pretty or good-looking.
Example Sentences
- 我 很 想 认识 那个 漂亮 的 女孩儿。I would love to meet that beautiful girl.
- 这部 电影 的 主角 是 一 个 美丽 的 姑娘。The main character in this film is a beautiful girl.
- 他 最 小 的 女儿 长 得 最 漂亮。His youngest daughter is the prettiest looking.
Use 美丽 and 漂亮 to describe natural scenery
While both words can be used, 美丽 is used in formal settings, while 漂亮 is used in informal settings.
Example Sentences
- 这里 的 风景 特别 美丽。The scenery is particularly beautiful.
- 风景很～
- 景色很～
Use 漂亮 To say “beautiful” in terms of concrete actions or movements
Common Phrases
- 漂亮 的 动作beautiful gestures
- 漂亮 的 话beautiful words
- 说 得 很 漂亮beautifully spoken
- 写 得 很 漂亮beautifully written
- 办 得 很 漂亮nice job
- 篮球 打 得 很 漂亮to play good basketball
Example Sentences
- 漂亮的动作
- 漂亮的话
- 说得很漂亮
- 写得很漂亮
- 办得很漂亮
- 篮球打得很漂亮
Use 美丽 to say “beautiful” in terms of abstract thoughts or ideas
Common Phrases
- 美丽 的 传说a beautiful legend
- 美丽 的 故事beautiful stories
- 美丽 的 家乡beautiful hometown
Example Sentences
- 的传说
- 的故事
- 的家乡
Sources and further reading
Websites
美丽与漂亮有何区别? https://m.iask.sina.com.cn/mib/734745.html
