Welcome to our guide on how to say “made” in Chinese! Being able to express this term correctly is valuable when discussing the origin of various products or indicating their manufacturing country. Whether you want to convey this information formally or informally, we’ll provide you with extensive tips and examples. So, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Made” in Chinese
When it comes to formal situations, such as business meetings or official documents, it is important to use appropriate vocabulary. Below, you will find several formal expressions for “made” in Chinese:
1. 制造 (zhì zào)
制造 (zhì zào) is a commonly used term in formal settings. It directly translates to “manufacture” or “produce.” This word emphasizes the process of creation and aligns well with formal contexts when discussing manufacturing or production.
Example: 这个产品是在中国制造的。(Zhè ge chǎn pǐn shì zài Zhōngguó zhì zào de.)
This product is made in China.
2. 生产 (shēng chǎn)
生产 (shēng chǎn) translates to “to produce” or “production.” It emphasizes the broader scope of the manufacturing process and is suitable when referring to the entire production cycle.
Example: 该公司在中国进行产品生产。(Gāi gōng sī zài Zhōngguó jìn xíng chǎn pǐn shēng chǎn.)
The company carries out product production in China.
3. 制作 (zhì zuò)
制作 (zhì zuò) means “to make” or “to create.” It is often used in a formal context to express the act of making something.
Example: 该雕塑是由著名艺术家制作的。(Gāi diāo sù shì yóu zhù míng yì shù jiā zhì zuò de.)
This sculpture was made by a renowned artist.
Informal Ways to Say “Made” in Chinese
Informal conversations allow for more relaxed language usage. In casual settings, you can use the following expressions to convey the concept of “made”:
1. 做 (zuò)
做 (zuò) simply means “to do” or “to make.” It is widely used in informal speech to indicate that something is made or produced.
Example: 这个手工艺品是我自己做的。(Zhè ge shǒu gōng yì pǐn shì wǒ zì jǐ zuò de.)
I made this handicraft myself.
2. 手工制作 (shǒu gōng zhì zuò)
手工制作 (shǒu gōng zhì zuò) refers to something that is “handmade” or “crafted.” This phrase emphasizes the manual labor put into the creation, often implying traditional skills.
Example: 这件针织围巾是手工制作的。(Zhè jiàn zhēn zhī wéi jīn shì shǒu gōng zhì zuò de.)
This knitted scarf is handmade.
3. 自制 (zì zhì)
自制 (zì zhì) means “self-made” or “homemade.” This expression is perfect for describing something made personally by the speaker or a small-scale production.
Example: 这是我妈妈亲手自制的蛋糕。(Zhè shì wǒ mā mā qīn shǒu zì zhì de dàn gāo.)
This cake was homemade by my mom.
Regional Variations
Chinese is spoken across many regions, and sometimes you may encounter slight variations in vocabulary. However, in the case of expressing “made,” the above terms can be understood and used throughout the Chinese-speaking world without major differences.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now learned the formal and informal ways to say “made” in Chinese. Remember to consider the context and formality when using these expressions. By incorporating these terms into your vocabulary, you will be able to discuss the origin and production of various items accurately and fluently. Enjoy practicing Chinese and exploring the richness of the language!
