气派

qìpài: 气派 - Impressive, Grand, Stately

Quick Summary

  • Keywords: qipai, 气派, 氣派, qipai Chinese meaning, what does qipai mean, impressive in Chinese, grand style, stately manner, magnificent in Chinese, Chinese word for grand, Chinese architecture, elegant demeanor
  • Summary: Discover the meaning of 气派 (qìpài), a key Chinese term used to describe an impressive, grand, or stately appearance and manner. Often used for magnificent buildings, luxurious cars, or people with a commanding presence, `qìpài` goes beyond “fancy” to convey a sense of scale, dignity, and imposing style. This page breaks down its cultural significance, practical usage, and provides numerous example sentences to help you master this essential adjective.

Core Meaning

  • Pinyin (with tone marks): qìpài
  • Part of Speech: Adjective / Noun
  • HSK Level: HSK 6
  • Concise Definition: Describing something or someone as having an impressive, grand, stately, or imposing style, manner, or appearance.
  • In a Nutshell: `气派` is the feeling you get when you see something that makes you say “wow” because of its grandeur and style. It's not just about being expensive; it's about making a powerful visual statement. Think of a majestic government building, a vast and beautifully designed hotel lobby, or a CEO who carries themselves with an air of authority and confidence. It's a combination of scale, dignity, and impressive aesthetics.

Character Breakdown

  • 气 (qì): This character's primary meaning is “air,” “gas,” or “steam.” Metaphorically, it extends to mean “spirit,” “energy,” “manner,” or “air/aura.”
  • 派 (pài): This character can mean a “school” of thought (as in `门派`), a “faction,” or a “style.” It carries the idea of a particular manner or way of doing things.
  • When combined, 气派 (qìpài) literally translates to “air of a style” or “spirit-style.” It captures the idea that something or someone has an impressive aura or a grand style that commands attention and respect.

Cultural Context and Significance

  • In Chinese culture, appearances often carry significant weight and are seen as reflections of substance, power, and success. The concept of `气派` is deeply tied to this. Having something that is `气派`—be it a home, an office, or a wedding—is a way of demonstrating status, capability, and giving “face” (`面子`) to oneself and others.
  • Comparison to a Western Concept: Compare `气派` to the English word “impressive” or “grand.” While they are similar, `气派` often has a stronger connotation of scale and a certain dignified, almost imposing, presence. A delicate, masterfully crafted watch might be “impressive” in English, but you would rarely call it `气派`. `气派` is better suited for the vast, marble-floored hall of a museum or the imposing facade of a corporate headquarters. It’s less about intricate detail and more about the powerful overall effect. It reflects a cultural appreciation for things that are large-scale, orderly, and convey a sense of strength and stability.

Practical Usage in Modern China

  • `气派` is a highly positive and complimentary term used in various contexts.
  • Describing Buildings and Places: This is one of the most common uses. Government buildings, five-star hotels, company headquarters, and luxurious villas are often described as `气派`.
    • e.g., “这个酒店的大堂真气派！” (This hotel lobby is so grand!)
  • Describing Objects: It's often used for large, expensive items that make a statement, like luxury cars or high-end furniture.
    • e.g., “他的新车看起来很气派。” (His new car looks very impressive.)
  • Describing People: When used for a person, it describes their demeanor, bearing, and overall presence. It suggests confidence, authority, and an elegant, commanding style. It's not about physical size but about their “aura.”
    • e.g., “那位CEO走进来的时候，很有气派。” (When that CEO walked in, he had a very stately air.)
  • Describing Events: A lavish wedding, a large-scale corporate event, or a grand celebration can be described as `有气派` (yǒu qìpài - has grandeur).

Example Sentences

  • Example 1:
    • 这座新建的政府大楼非常气派。
    • Pinyin: Zhè zuò xīn jiàn de zhèngfǔ dàlóu fēicháng qìpài.
    • English: This newly built government building is extremely grand.
    • Analysis: A classic example of using `气派` to describe architecture. It implies the building is large, well-designed, and projects an image of power and importance.
  • Example 2:
    • 他说话做事都很有气派，一看就是个领导。
    • Pinyin: Tā shuōhuà zuòshì dōu hěn yǒu qìpài, yī kàn jiù shì ge lǐngdǎo.
    • English: The way he speaks and handles matters has such a commanding air; you can tell he's a leader at a glance.
    • Analysis: Here, `气派` describes a person's demeanor. It's not about their clothes but their confident and authoritative manner. `有气派` is a common construction for people.
  • Example 3:
    • 他们婚礼的排场很大，看起来真气派。
    • Pinyin: Tāmen hūnlǐ de páichang hěn dà, kànqǐlái zhēn qìpài.
    • English: The pomp and ceremony of their wedding was extensive; it looked truly magnificent.
    • Analysis: This shows `气派` being used to describe an event. The scale and lavishness of the wedding create an impressive, `气派` feeling.
  • Example 4:
    • 公司的新总部装修得很有气派，给客户留下了深刻的印象。
    • Pinyin: Gōngsī de xīn zǒngbù zhuāngxiū de hěn yǒu qìpài, gěi kèhù liúxià le shēnkè de yìnxiàng.
    • English: The company's new headquarters is decorated in a very stately style, leaving a deep impression on clients.
    • Analysis: This focuses on interior design. “Stately style” is a good translation here, suggesting taste, expense, and an impressive scale.
  • Example 5:
    • 这辆黑色的轿车不仅豪华，而且造型气派。
    • Pinyin: Zhè liàng hēisè de jiàochē bùjǐn háohuá, érqiě zàoxíng qìpài.
    • English: This black sedan is not only luxurious, but its design is also very imposing.
    • Analysis: This sentence cleverly distinguishes `豪华 (háohuá - luxurious)` from `气派`. The luxury is in the materials and features, while the `气派` is in the car's overall shape and commanding presence on the road.
  • Example 6:
    • 老板，您这办公室可真气派！
    • Pinyin: Lǎobǎn, nín zhè bàngōngshì kě zhēn qìpài!
    • English: Boss, your office is really impressive!
    • Analysis: A common compliment you might give to a superior. It's a respectful way to praise their success as reflected in their grand-looking office.
  • Example 7:
    • 他想把房子装修得气派一点，好在朋友面前有面子。
    • Pinyin: Tā xiǎng bǎ fángzi zhuāngxiū de qìpài yīdiǎn, hǎo zài péngyou miànqián yǒu miànzi.
    • English: He wants to renovate his house to be a bit more grand, so he can have “face” in front of his friends.
    • Analysis: This sentence directly links `气派` with the cultural concept of `面子 (miànzi)`. The grand appearance is a tool for gaining social standing.
  • Example 8:
    • 虽然他家不富裕，但他走路的样子总带着一种气派。
    • Pinyin: Suīrán tā jiā bù fùyù, dàn tā zǒulù de yàngzi zǒng dài zhe yī zhǒng qìpài.
    • English: Although his family isn't wealthy, the way he walks always carries a kind of dignified air.
    • Analysis: This shows that `气派` when applied to a person can be about innate bearing and confidence, separate from material wealth. Here, it functions as a noun (“a kind of `qìpài`”).
  • Example 9:
    • 这家酒店的名字听起来就很气派。
    • Pinyin: Zhè jiā jiǔdiàn de mí