雕塑 (diāo sù) is a noun meaning 'sculpture'—a three-dimensional artwork created by carving, modeling, casting, or assembling materials like stone, wood, clay, or metal. The first character 雕 (diāo) means 'to carve' or 'to engrave', often implying precision and craftsmanship; the second character 塑 (sù) means 'to mold' or 'to shape', especially with pliable substances like clay or plaster. Together, they capture the dual essence of subtractive (carving away) and additive (building up) techniques central to sculptural practice.

This word refers both to the art form as a whole and to individual works. It appears frequently in contexts related to fine arts, museum exhibitions, public monuments, and art education. While 雕塑 can describe sculptures of any subject—including people, landscapes, or abstract forms—it’s commonly used for realistic or symbolic representations of animals, especially in traditional Chinese garden architecture and temple courtyards.