纸巾
zhǐjīn
The English phrase "tissue paper" is translated into Chinese as 纸巾 (zhǐjīn).
In a restaurant or household setting, 纸巾 is the standard term for the disposable paper tissues used for hygiene. It refers to the functional tissue used for wiping or blowing one's nose.
Meaning: thin, translucent paper (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 纸 (zhǐ), meaning 'paper' and 巾 (jīn), meaning 'towel' or 'cloth'.
Which one should you use?
While 纸巾 refers to the functional tissue used for wiping or blowing one's nose, it is distinct from 拷贝纸 (kǎobèizhǐ), which refers to the thin, translucent tissue paper used in gift wrapping or crafts.
How do you pronounce it?
zhǐjīn
Did you know?
- In many Chinese households, you will see a 纸巾盒 (tissue box) placed prominently on a dining table, as it is common and expected to use 纸巾 to wipe your mouth during a meal.
- The character 巾 (jīn) is a pictograph that originally depicted a piece of cloth hanging from a peg.
- While 纸巾 covers facial tissues, Chinese uses a completely different term, 卫生纸 (wèishēngzhǐ), specifically for toilet paper.
Examples in context
- 纸巾 很方便，可以用来擦手。Tissue paper is very convenient, and it can be used to wipe hands.
- 请给我一张纸巾。Qǐng gěi wǒ yī zhāng zhǐjīn.Please give me a tissue.
- 桌子上有一包纸巾。Zhuōzi shàng yǒu yī bāo zhǐjīn.There is a pack of tissues on the table.
- 我需要买一些纸巾。Wǒ xūyào mǎi yīxiē zhǐjīn.I need to buy some tissues.
Example conversation
At a cafe, Haoran notices Zihan is crying.
- 浩然 Haoran你没事吧？Nǐ méishì ba?Are you okay?
- 梓涵 Zihan我有点难过。Wǒ yǒudiǎn nánguò.I'm a little sad.
- 浩然 Haoran给你，用一下纸巾吧。Gěi nǐ, yòng yīxià zhǐjīn ba.Here, use some tissues.
- 梓涵 Zihan谢谢你，浩然。Xièxiè nǐ, Hàorán.Thank you, Haoran.
