服装
fúzhuāng
In Chinese, the English phrase costume is translated as 服装 (fúzhuāng).
服装 refers broadly to clothing, attire or costumes. When you need to be more specific about costumes used specifically for theatrical performances, the term 戏服 is used.
Meaning: disguise (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 服装 is a general term for clothing and attire, 戏服 is specialized for the costumes worn by actors on a stage.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Hokkien dialect, you may hear the term 裝束.
How do you pronounce it?
fúzhuāng
Did you know?
- In traditional Chinese opera, 戏服 are not just costumes but symbols of rank. The colors and patterns indicate whether a character is a noble, a warrior or a peasant regardless of the script's specific setting.
- In some contexts, the character 装 (zhuāng) can also mean 'to装' or 'to pretend'. This creates a subtle linguistic link between the word for 'clothing' and the act of 'disguising' oneself.
- The word 装 (zhuāng) can also function as a verb meaning 'to pack' or 'to load', showing how the concept of 'arranging' or 'fitting' is central to the word.
Examples in context
- 我正在购买一套漂亮的万圣节服装。I am buying a beautiful Halloween costume.
- 他在玩变装游戏，换了一套服装。Tā zài wán biànzhuāng yóuxì, huànle yī tào fúzhuāng.He is playing a disguise game and changed his costume.
- 那套服装让他看起来完全变了个人。Nà tào fúzhuāng ràng tā kàn qǐlái wánquán biànle gèrén.That costume makes him look like a completely different person.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their plans for a themed party.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen志强，你准备好服装了吗？Zhìqiáng, nǐ zhǔnbèi hǎo fúzhuāng le ma?Zhiqiang, have you prepared your costume?
- 志强 Zhiqiang还没有，我还没想好穿什么。Hái méiyǒu, wǒ hái méi xiǎng hǎo chuān shénme.Not yet, I haven't decided what to wear.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen你可以穿一件海盗服装。Nǐ kěyǐ chuān yī jiàn hǎidào fúzhuāng.You could wear a pirate costume.
- 志强 Zhiqiang好主意，我这就去买。Hǎo zhǔyì, wǒ zhè jiù qù mǎi.Good idea, I'll go buy one right now.
