精华液
jīnghuáyè
The English word "serum" (skincare product) is translated into Mandarin as 精华液 (jīnghuáyè).
It is the standard way to describe such a product in professional, scientific, medical or pharmaceutical contexts.
Meaning: skincare product (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a combination of 精华, meaning essence or extract and 液, meaning liquid.
Which one should you use?
While 精华液 is the full term for a skincare serum, you may frequently see the shortened form 精华 used in marketing or casual conversation to mean essence or extract.
How do you pronounce it?
jīnghuáyè
Did you know?
- The word 精华 is frequently used in the phrase 精华版, which means a 'condensed' or 'highlight' version of a long article or video.
- While 精华液 is the technical term for a skincare serum, the word 精华 is also used in martial arts literature to describe the 'vital essence' or 'life force' of a person.
- If you look for a 'serum' in a pharmacy rather than a beauty store, you will likely see the word 血清 (xuèqīng) instead, which refers specifically to biological blood serum.
Examples in context
- 我最近购买了一瓶新的精华液，听说效果很好。I recently bought a new bottle of serum, and they say it works wonders.
- 这款精华液很滋润。Zhè kuǎn jīnghuáyè hěn zīrùn.This serum is very moisturizing.
- 我每天都用精华液。Wǒ měitiān dōu yòng jīnghuáyè.I use serum every day.
- 你想买哪种精华液？Nǐ xiǎng mǎi nǎ zhǒng jīnghuáyè?Which kind of serum do you want to buy?
Example conversation
Xiaowen and Wei are shopping for skincare products together.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen伟，你看这个精华液怎么样？Wěi, nǐ kàn zhège jīnghuáyè zěnmeyàng?Wei, what do you think of this serum?
- 伟 Wei我觉得太贵了。Wǒ juéde tài guì le.I think it's too expensive.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen但是它的效果很好。Dànshì tā de xiàoguǒ hěn hǎo.But its effects are very good.
- 伟 Wei那我们就买这个吧。Nà wǒmen jiù mǎi zhège ba.Then let's just buy this one.
