油漆
yóuqī
In Chinese, the verb 'to paint' is translated as 油漆 (yóuqī). Wiktionary also lists 漆 (qī).
Meaning: to apply paint to (verb)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 油漆 | yóuqī |
| 漆 | qī |
The term is used for the physical act of applying a coating to a surface. When you want to describe the result of painting an object a specific color, you can use the construction 把 [object] 漆成 [color] to say 'to paint [object] into [color]'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 油漆 literally breaks down into 油 (oil) and 漆 (lacquer/paint).
Which one should you use?
The form 油漆 is used for the act of applying coating or paint to a surface. In contrast, if you are talking about the artistic act of painting a picture, you should use 画. The shorter form 漆 can also be used as a verb for the act of painting.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
yóuqī
Did you know?
- Ancient Chinese lacquerware was often treated with a poisonous sap that caused severe allergic reactions in the artisans who applied it.
- The word 漆 shares a common ancestor with words for 'medicine' and 'juice' in other languages like Tibetan and Burmese, such as the Tibetan རྩི.
- In ancient China, 漆 referred to a natural resin harvested from the lacquer tree, which was a highly prized and secretive imperial craft.
Examples in context
- 汤姆想把房子漆成绿色，是真的吗？Is it true that Tom wants to paint his house green?This sentence shows how to use 漆 to describe painting an object a specific color.Tatoeba #5650480 by verdastelo9604, translation #2953001 by CK
- 注意！油漆未乾Caution! Wet PaintThis sentence uses 油漆 to indicate that paint is wet.Tatoeba #1891751 by nickyeow, translation #1888937 by blay_paul
- 油漆從牆上脫落。The paint was coming off the wall.This sentence uses 油漆 to describe paint coming off a surface.Tatoeba #895593 by Martha, translation #320235 by CK
- 请给这面墙上油漆Please paint this wall.
- 这幅绘画非常精美This painting is extremely exquisite.
- 我喜欢画景色I like to paint landscapes.
- 孩子在墙上涂鸦了The child doodled on the wall.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
志强 and 佳怡 are discussing a home renovation project.
- 志强 Zhiqiang我们要给门涂油漆吗？Wǒmen yào gěi mén tú yóuqī ma?Do we need to paint the door?
- 佳怡 Jiayi是的，门需要重新涂油漆。Shì de, mén xūyào chóngxīn tú yóuqī.Yes, the door needs to be repainted.
- 志强 Zhiqiang你想用什么颜色的油漆？Nǐ xiǎng yòng shénme yánsè de yóuqī?What color of paint do you want to use?
- 佳怡 Jiayi我喜欢白色的油漆。Wǒ xǐhuān báisè de yóuqī.I like white paint.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “paint” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 漆, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
