胭脂
yānzhi
The Chinese word for rouge is 胭脂 (yānzhi).
While 胭脂 can refer to the color, it is most commonly used to refer to the cosmetic product itself (rouge/blush).
Meaning: color (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of two characters: 胭 (yān), referring to rouge or rouge-colored powder and 脂 (zhī), meaning fat or grease, reflecting the historical-oil-based composition of the cosmetic.
How do you pronounce it?
yānzhi
When do people say it?
In a literary context, 胭脂 is often used as a metonym for women or female beauty.
Did you know?
- The word 胭脂 is believed to be a loanword from the language of the Xiongnu, an ancient nomadic confederation that once rivaled the Han dynasty.
- In traditional Chinese opera, the application of 胭脂 is strictly codified to signal a character's personality and social status to the audience.
- Ancient versions of 胭脂 were often made using crushed cochineal insects or mineral cinnabar to achieve the vivid red tone.
Examples in context
- 她的脸上涂了一层红粉。She applied a layer of rouge on her face.
- 她的面颊涂满了胭脂，显得娇艳动人。Her cheeks covered in rouge looked tender and enchanting.
- 你今天的腮红真好看，适合你的肤色。Your blush looks great today, it suits your complexion.
- 她今天用了胭脂粉，妆容更加美丽。She used rouge powder today, making her makeup even more beautiful.
- 她脸上涂了淡淡的胭脂。Tā liǎn shàng tú le dàn dàn de yān zhī.She applied a light touch of rouge to her face.
Example conversation
Xiaowen is showing Zhiqiang her traditional makeup kit.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen你看，这是我新买的胭脂。nǐ kàn, zhè shì wǒ xīn mǎi de yānzhī.Look, this is the rouge I just bought.
- 志强 Zhiqiang这个颜色是不是太红了？zhè ge yánsè shì bú shì tài hóng le?Isn't this color too red?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen不，抹在脸上刚好。bù, mǒ zài liǎn shàng gāng hǎo.No, it's just right on the face.
- 志强 Zhiqiang确实，看起来很自然。quèshí, kàn qǐlái hěn zìrán.True, it looks very natural.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 胭脂, CC BY-SA 4.0.
