‘插图’ (chā tú) literally combines ‘插’ (chā), meaning ‘to insert’ or ‘to add’, and ‘图’ (tú), meaning ‘picture’ or ‘diagram’. Together, it refers to an illustration — a visual image inserted into text to clarify, decorate, or enhance understanding. Unlike photographs or standalone artwork, 插图 is typically purpose-built to accompany written content, such as in children’s books, textbooks, magazines, or digital articles.

This word is commonly used in publishing, education, and design contexts. It emphasizes function over form: the image serves the text. While often hand-drawn or digitally created, 插图 can also be stylized photos or diagrams — as long as they’re integrated intentionally into a textual narrative. You’ll frequently see it in phrases like ‘书中的插图’ (the illustrations in the book) or ‘为文章配插图’ (to create illustrations for an article).