腰
yāo
The English word waist translates to Chinese as 腰 (yāo). If unsure, use 腰. Wiktionary also lists 腰部 (yāobù).
Meaning: part of the body (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 腰 | yāo |
| 腰部 | yāobù |
The standard and most common term for waist is 腰. To discuss the specific measurement or circumference of a waist, use the compound word 腰围. When you want to describe the aesthetic silhouette or shape of a person's waist, the term 腰身 is used. For a more specific focus on a slender or curvy shape, the word 腰肢 is used. In informal contexts, the word 肚子 (meaning belly) may sometimes be used to refer to the general area around the waist. Additionally, the phrase 小蛮腰 is an informal way to describe an attractive, slim waistline.
Which one should you use?
腰 is the simple, standard noun for waist. In contrast, 腰部 is a more formal or anatomical term that refers to the waist area or the lumbar region.
How do you pronounce it?
yāo
Did you know?
- The phrase 腰杆子硬 (having a stiff waist) is used metaphorically to describe someone who is confident and stands their ground because they have strong backing.
- In traditional Chinese medicine, the 腰 is often linked to the kidneys, and a 'weak waist' is frequently used to describe a lack of overall vitality or kidney health.
- The term 小蛮腰 contains the character 蛮, which historically referred to 'barbarians' from the south but here evokes a sense of wild, natural beauty.
Examples in context
- 你认为汤姆的腰围是多少？What do you think Tom's waist size is?This sentence is useful for asking about a waist circumference using 腰.Tatoeba #2027919 by sadhen, translation #1140810 by CK
- 他從腰部到膝蓋都濕了。He got wet from the waist to the knees.This sentence is useful for describing a physical area using 腰.Tatoeba #786143 by Martha, translation #296450 by CM
- 他的体形生得很匀称！肩膀宽，腰身窄，肚子又没凸出来。His body type is born balanced! Wide shoulders, slim waist, belly not popping outwards.This sentence is useful for describing a body type and waist shape using 腰.Tatoeba #420900 by sysko, translation #11282705 by Aphima
- 他的腰部非常纤细，很有女人味。His waist is very slim and feminine.
- 妹妹今天穿了一条紧身裙，突出了她的小蛮腰。My younger sister wore a tight-fitting dress today, highlighting her slim waist.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Xiaowen is helping Wei pick out a new pair of trousers.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen这条裤子的腰太大了。Zhè tiáo kùzi de yāo tài dà le.The waist of these trousers is too big.
- 伟 Wei那我试一下小号的。Nà wǒ shì yīxià xiǎohào de.Then I will try the small size.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen这个腰正好，很合适。Zhè ge yāo zhènghǎo, hěn héshì.This waist is just right, it fits well.
- 伟 Wei太好了，我就买这条。Tài hǎo le, wǒ jiù mǎi zhè tiáo.Great, I'll buy this pair.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “waist” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
