‘扮相’ (bàn xiàng) literally combines 扮 (bàn), meaning 'to dress up' or 'to assume a role', and 相 (xiàng), meaning 'appearance' or 'looks'. Together, it refers specifically to an actor’s complete stage appearance—especially the coordinated combination of costume, makeup, hairstyle, and accessories used to embody a character in traditional Chinese opera or theatrical performance. It emphasizes visual authenticity and stylistic fidelity to the role’s cultural and historical context.

This term is most commonly used in discussions of Peking opera, Kunqu, and other classical Chinese performing arts, where meticulous attention is paid to how each character’s 扮相 reflects their identity, status, personality, and even moral alignment (e.g., red face paint symbolizing loyalty). While occasionally used metaphorically for striking or stylized real-life appearances, its core meaning remains rooted in theatrical tradition—not everyday dress or casual costumes.