复古
The English phrase vintage translates to Chinese as 复古.
复古 is used to describe something that has an enduring appeal or a classic quality. You can use it to describe a vintage style by adding 风 to the end, creating 复古风. To express the idea of a vintage taste or a retro flavor, you can use 复古味.
Meaning: having an enduring appeal, classic (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 复古 describes the aesthetic of looking back to the past, it is often used for things that are 'retro' (imitating an old style) rather than strictly 'vintage' (actual items from a previous era).
Did you know?
- The concept of 复古 is deeply rooted in the Confucian idea of 'restoring the rites' to achieve social harmony by mimicking the idealized virtues of ancient sages.
- In the context of fashion, a 'vintage style' is often called 复古潮, where 潮 means 'trend', implying that looking old is actually a modern trend.
- While 复古 describes the look of something, to describe an actual antique or a piece of historical furniture, people often use the word 古董, which literally means 'ancient goods'.
Examples in context
- 这家博物馆有很多古董家具。This museum has many vintage furniture pieces.
- 他总是穿得很复古，很有个性。He always dresses very vintage, it's unique.
- 这间咖啡馆的装饰很老派。The decor of this café is very vintage.
- 这种复古风格很受欢迎。Zhè zhǒng fùgǔ fēnggé hěn shòu huānyíng.This vintage style is very popular.
- 我喜欢复古设计的家具。Wǒ xǐhuān fùgǔ shèjì de jiājù.I like vintage-designed furniture.
- 这件复古连衣裙很漂亮。Zhè jiàn fùgǔ liányīqún hěn piàoliang.This vintage dress is beautiful.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at clothes in a boutique.
- 俊杰 Junjie你觉得这件复古衬衫怎么样？Nǐ juédé zhè jiàn fùgǔ chènshān zěnmeyàng?What do you think of this vintage shirt?
- 佳怡 Jiayi很有特色，很适合你。Hěn yǒu tèsè, hěn shìhé nǐ.It's very unique, it suits you well.
- 俊杰 Junjie我也觉得这种风格很好看。Wǒ yě juédé zhè zhǒng fēnggé hěn hǎokàn.I also think this style looks good.
- 佳怡 Jiayi那快点试试吧！Nà kuài diǎn shì shì ba!Then try it on quickly!
