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    Chinese Grammar

    Referring to 'half-length' or 'bust' with 半身 (bànshēn)

    Description & Modification
    Numbers & Quantity

    Structure

    半身 + 像/Noun

    Explanation

    The word 半身 (bànshēn) literally means "half body" and is most commonly used to refer to a bust (sculpture or portrait showing the upper half of the body). It appears in compounds like 半身像 (bust sculpture/portrait). It can also refer to the upper or lower half of one's body.

    Examples

    • 画家为她画了一幅半身像。

      Huàjiā wèi tā huà le yī fú bànshēnxiàng.

      The painter painted a bust portrait of her.

    • 博物馆里陈列着一尊名人的半身铜像。

      Bówùguǎn lǐ chénliè zhe yī zūn míngrén de bànshēn tóngxiàng.

      A bronze bust of a famous person is displayed in the museum.

    • 这张照片只拍了半身，看不到全貌。

      Zhè zhāng zhàopiàn zhǐ pāi le bànshēn, kàn bú dào quánmào.

      This photo only shows the upper body — you can't see the full picture.

    Referring to 'half-length' or 'bust' with 半身 (bànshēn) | Chinese Grammar