佛像 (fó xiàng) literally means 'Buddha image' — 佛 (fó) refers to the Buddha, the central figure of Buddhism, and 像 (xiàng) means 'image', 'statue', or 'representation'. Together, the term specifically denotes a sculpted, painted, or cast depiction of the Buddha, commonly found in temples, shrines, homes, or museums. These statues vary widely in style, material (stone, bronze, wood, clay), and posture, each conveying different aspects of Buddhist teachings — such as meditation, teaching, or compassion.

佛像 is a formal, respectful term used in religious, cultural, and artistic contexts. It is not used for casual or humorous depictions; doing so may be considered disrespectful in Chinese-speaking communities. Unlike generic terms like 雕像 (diāo xiàng, 'sculpture'), 佛像 carries strong spiritual and ritual significance, often serving as an object of veneration, meditation focus, or cultural heritage.