Guide: How to Say “Curly Hair” in Chinese

When it comes to describing different hair types in Chinese, it can be both intriguing and useful to learn the local terms. In this guide, we will discuss how to say “curly hair” in Chinese, covering formal and informal ways. Regional variations will be mentioned if they significantly differ from the standard Chinese terms. Let’s dive in and explore the fascinating world of describing curly hair in Chinese!

1. Formal Ways to Say “Curly Hair” in Chinese:

If you prefer a more formal approach or need to use the term in a professional context, you can use the following phrases:

1.1 卷发 (juǎn fǎ)

The most common and standard term for “curly hair” is “卷发” (juǎn fǎ). This term is widely understood and used throughout China, making it suitable for formal situations. It directly translates to “curled hair” and can be used to describe any degree of curliness, from loose waves to tight coils.

1.2 曲发 (qū fǎ)

“曲发” (qū fǎ) is another formal way to describe “curly hair” in Chinese. This term, which literally means “wavy hair,” is often used interchangeably with “卷发” (juǎn fǎ) and is also recognized across China.

2. Informal Ways to Say “Curly Hair” in Chinese:

When it comes to informal or colloquial expressions, Chinese offers some vivid and interesting terms to describe “curly hair.” These phrases are commonly used in daily conversations and among friends:

2.1 卷毛 (juǎn máo)

“卷毛” (juǎn máo) is a popular informal term to describe “curly hair” and is often used to refer to naturally curly hair. This phrase is quite versatile and can describe any level of curliness, from loose curls to tight coils. It is commonly used in casual settings and conversations.

2.2 卷卷 (juǎn juǎn)

If you prefer a more affectionate or playful way of saying “curly hair,” you can use “卷卷” (juǎn juǎn). This term is often used to describe tightly curled or coiled hair and brings a sense of endearment when referring to someone’s curls. It is commonly used among friends or in a relaxed environment.

3. Regional Variations:

While the previously mentioned terms are used nationwide, there are some regional variations for “curly hair” in China:

3.1 捻髮 (niǎn fǎ) – Minnan/Hokkien Dialect

In the Minnan (also known as Hokkien) dialect spoken in southern Fujian and Taiwan, “curly hair” is referred to as “捻髮” (niǎn fǎ). This term is commonly used in these regions and may not be widely understood in other parts of China.

3.2 捲毛 (juan mau) – Cantonese

In Cantonese, which is spoken in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and other areas, “curly hair” is expressed as “捲毛” (juan mau). This term is specific to Cantonese and differs from the Mandarin Chinese terms mentioned earlier.

4. Additional Tips:

Here are some additional tips to help you navigate conversations about curly hair in Chinese:

• When describing your own hair or someone else’s hair, you can start the sentence with “我有” (wǒ yǒu) for “I have” or “他/她有” (tā yǒu) for “he/she has” followed by the selected term for “curly hair.” For example, “我有卷发” (wǒ yǒu juǎn fǎ) means “I have curly hair.”
• If you want to emphasize the degree of curliness, you can use adjectives such as “很卷” (hěn juǎn) for “very curly” or “有点卷” (yǒu diǎn juǎn) for “a bit curly.”
• Remember that hair types can vary greatly, and what might be considered “curly” in one culture or language may differ in another. To ensure clear communication, it can be helpful to accompany your description with pictures or gestures.

Example: 他有一头很卷的黑色头发 (Tā yǒu yī tóu hěn juǎn de hēi sè tóu fǎ) – He has a head of very curly black hair.

Now armed with these phrases, you can confidently describe “curly hair” in Chinese, whether you’re engaging in formal conversations, chatting with friends, or exploring the regional dialects! Remember to practice and immerse yourself in the language to become even more proficient. Enjoy embracing the beauty and diversity of curly hair with your new Chinese vocabulary!