Definition

1. Verb:
   • To engrave: To carve or cut a design, image, or writing into a hard surface, such as metal, wood, or stone.
   • To depict / To portray: To describe or represent something or someone clearly and vividly in words, art, or performance, emphasizing distinctive features.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Nghệ nhân khắc hoạ hình rồng lên bức tường đồng. (The artisan engraved a dragon image onto the bronze wall.)
  • Nhà văn khắc hoạ nhân vật phản diện một cách sắc sảo. (The writer portrays the villain character in a sharp manner.)
  • Bộ phim khắc hoạ chân thực cuộc sống nông thôn. (The film depicts rural life realistically.)

Advanced Usage

• "khắc hoạ chân dung": to portray a portrait (literal or figurative).
  • Bài báo khắc hoạ chân dung một vị anh hùng. (The article portrays the portrait of a hero.)

Variants and Related Words

• Khắc (v): to engrave, to carve. Often refers to the physical act more narrowly than "khắc hoạ".

  • Anh ấy khắc tên mình lên cây. (He carved his name onto the tree.)

• Hoạ (v/n): to draw, to paint; a picture. When combined, "khắc hoạ" implies a detailed, lasting representation.

Synonyms

• Depict: To represent by a drawing, painting, or other art form.
• Portray: To describe or represent in words or art.
• Engrave: To cut or carve a design onto a surface.
• Delineate: To describe or outline with precision.

Related Idioms

• Khắc hoạ vào lòng: to engrave into one's heart/mind; to remember something permanently.
  • Lời dạy của thầy được khắc hoạ vào lòng tôi. (My teacher's lesson is engraved in my heart.)