絲 / 丝
sī
To say silk in Chinese, use 絲 / 丝 (sī). If unsure, use 絲 / 丝. Wiktionary also lists 絲綢 / 丝绸 (sīchóu).
Meaning: fabric (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 絲 / 丝 | sī |
| 絲綢 / 丝绸 | sīchóu |
What does it mean word for word?
In 絲綢, 絲 means thread and 綢 is a kind of silk fabric.
Which one should you use?
The single character 絲 refers more to silk thread or fiber, while 絲綢 / 丝绸 (sīchóu) is the standard word for silk as a fabric.
How do you pronounce it?
In pinyin it is sī, with a high level tone.
When do people say it?
The ancient trade route known as the Silk Road takes its Chinese name from 絲綢.
Did you know?
- The concept of 'silk' is so central to Chinese history that it was used as a form of currency to pay taxes and government salaries during several dynasties.
- In Chinese music, 絲 (sī) serves as a shorthand term for stringed instruments, such as the 絲竹 (sīzhú) ensemble. This is because the strings of traditional instruments were historically made from twisted silk fibers.
- In modern Chinese, 絲 is used in the term 絲瓜 (sīguā) to describe a sponge gourd. The vegetable is called this because its fibers are so strong and thread-like that they can be used as scrubbers.
Examples in context
- 她身上的衣服是用丝绸做的。Her clothes are made of silk.
- 这条丝绸围巾很柔软。This silk scarf is very soft.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “silk” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
