qìpài: 气派 - Impressive, Grand, Stately

qìpài: 气派 - Impressive, Grand, Stately

Quick Summary

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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

Table of Contents

qìpài: 气派 - Impressive, Grand, Stately

Quick Summary

Core Meaning

Character Breakdown

Cultural Context and Significance

Practical Usage in Modern China

Example Sentences