制服
zhìfú
The Chinese word for "uniform" is 制服 (zhìfú). Wiktionary also lists 校服 (xiàofú).
Meaning: distinctive outfit as a means of identifying members of a group (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 制服 | zhìfú |
| 校服 | xiàofú |
A uniform is a distinctive outfit as a means of identifying members of a group.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 制服 (zhìfú) is composed of 制 (to make/regulate) and 服 (clothing/clothes).
Which one should you use?
While 制服 is a general term for any uniform, 校服 is specifically used for school uniforms. 制服 is a broader term that can refer to military, police or professional uniforms, whereas 校服 is restricted to students.
How do you pronounce it?
zhìfú
Did you know?
- The word 制服 (zhìfú) is a homonym for a common verb meaning 'to subdue' or 'to bring under control'. Because of this, the word for 'uniform' literally shares its sound and characters with the act of defeating an opponent.
- In many Chinese schools, 校服 (xiàofú) are designed as oversized, baggy tracksuits rather than formal blazers or skirts. These 'loose' uniforms are intended to prevent students from focusing on fashion or body image during study.
- In historical Chinese contexts, the concept of 'uniform' was tied to 冠服 (guànfú), which included the headgear. The type of hat worn was often more important for identifying rank than the clothes themselves.
Examples in context
- 汤姆换上制服。Tom changed into his uniform.This sentence shows someone changing into their 制服.Tatoeba #5780579 by verdastelo9604, translation #2643292 by CK
- 我們在學校穿校服。We wear a uniform at school.This sentence describes wearing 校服 at school.Tatoeba #5115763 by xjjAstrus, translation #5136414 by JimmyUK
- 紐約警察穿深藍色制服。The New York City police wear a dark blue uniform.This sentence describes the color of a police officer's 制服.Tatoeba #5909459 by xjjAstrus, translation #9814656 by DJ_Saidez
- 学校制服School uniform
- 警察制服Police uniform
- 军人制服Military uniform
- 医生制服Doctor's uniform
- 体育课校服Physical education class uniform
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing their work attire.
- 志强 Zhiqiang你觉得这套制服好看吗？Nǐ juéde zhè tào zhìfú hǎokàn ma?Do you think this uniform looks good?
- 雨婷 Yuting我觉得这套制服很专业。Wǒ juéde zhè tào zhìfú hěn zhuānyè.I think this uniform looks very professional.
- 志强 Zhiqiang它的颜色也很合适。Tā de yánsè yě hěn héshì.Its color is also very appropriate.
- 雨婷 Yuting是的，穿起来很舒服。Shì de, chuān qǐlái hěn shūfu.Yes, it is very comfortable to wear.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “uniform” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
