棉塞
miánsāi
The English word 'tampon' can be translated into Chinese using 棉塞 (miánsāi). Wiktionary also lists 止血塞 (zhǐxuè sāi) and 衛生栓 / 卫生栓 (wèishēng shuān).
Meaning: a plug of cotton or other absorbent material (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 棉塞 | miánsāi |
| 止血塞 | zhǐxuè sāi |
| 衛生栓 / 卫生栓 | wèishēng shuān |
| 棉條 / 棉条 | miántiáo |
Which one should you use?
While 棉塞 refers generally to a plug of cotton or other absorbent material, 棉条 is the most common term used in a menstrual hygiene context. 止血塞 refers to a tampon used for hemostasis (stopping bleeding), and 衛生栓 / 卫生栓 is another way to describe the product.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Taiwan, the term 棉条 is commonly used to refer to tampons.
How do you pronounce it?
miánsāi
Did you know?
- While 棉条 translates literally to 'cotton strip', this term is used for both tampons and the cotton wicks used in traditional oil lamps.
- If you use the term 棉塞 in a workshop or factory setting, people will think you are talking about a cotton plug for an engine or a machine rather than a hygiene product.
- The character 栓 in 卫生栓 specifically refers to a plug, bolt, or stopper, emphasizing the physical function of the product.
Examples in context
- 医生用棉塞止住了伤口。Yīshēng yòng miánsāi zhǐzhùle shāngkǒu.The doctor used a cotton plug to stop the wound from bleeding.
Example conversation
Zihan is looking for something in her bag before leaving for the gym.
- 梓涵 Zihan糟糕，我忘了带棉塞。Zāogāo, wǒ wàngle dài mián sāi.Oh no, I forgot to bring tampons.
- 俊杰 Junjie现在去商店买还来得及。Xiànzài qù shāngdiàn mǎi hái láidejí.There is still time to go to the store and buy some.
- 梓涵 Zihan附近有便利店吗，俊杰？Fùjìn yǒu biànlìdiàn ma, Jùnjié?Is there a convenience store nearby, Junjie?
- 俊杰 Junjie就在街角，我们快走吧。Jiù zài jiējiǎo, wǒmen kuài zǒu ba.It's right on the corner, let's go quickly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tampon” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
