塑造 sùzào to model
to model; to mold; (figuratively) to create (a character, a market, an image etc); (figuratively) (literature) to portray (in words)
How to remember 塑造: 塑 sculpt + 造 to build = to model.
Characters
How it is used
- Literally to mold/sculpt, but mostly figurative - to shape a character, image, or identity: 塑造形象 (sùzào xíngxiàng) to build an image, 塑造人物 (sùzào rénwù) to craft a character (in fiction).
- Contrast 打造 (dǎzào), which is more 'build/forge' for products, brands, teams; 塑造 emphasizes giving form to something abstract like personality or reputation.
- Literature, branding, and education/psychology register.